The Wasp — 1893 — page 290: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains three separate satirical pieces: **"The Buzz-Saw Hat Again"** (left): A four-panel comic showing someone repeatedly encountering problems with a buzz-saw hat—it keeps breaking things and malfunctioning. The satire appears to target a persistent trend or fashion item that keeps failing despite repeated attempts. **"Romance and Reality"** (center-right): Contrasts romantic notions of summer romance with harsh economic reality—a couple reminisces about "sweet summer gave," but when asked about costs, he replies "twelve cents and a half," suggesting the cheapness of their actual experience. **"The Bashful Sex"** (bottom): A beach scene where women hesitate to enter the water because of a crab. The caption mocks female timidity, reflecting period gender stereotypes about women's supposed fearfulness and physical weakness. The page demonstrates *The Wasp*'s satirical approach to contemporary social attitudes and consumer culture.