The Wasp — 1893 — page 234: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts a scene of **duty versus dereliction**. A man in formal attire stands confronting another figure who appears to be shirking responsibility or avoiding an obligation—suggested by the caption "The call of duty is unanswered with alacrity." The "villain" is characterized as someone who reluctantly or reluctantly faces a summons or demand. The series title ("No. 3") indicates this is part of an ongoing satirical commentary on **avoiding civic or social responsibility**. Without additional context identifying the specific figures, the cartoon appears to critique a public figure's reluctance to answer a call to duty—possibly political obligation, military service, or civic engagement—presenting this evasion as morally problematic behavior worthy of public ridicule.