The Wasp — 1893 — page 516: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains serialized fiction and social satire rather than political cartoons. "The Christmas Wasp" appears to be a holiday-themed story involving characters named Dan O'Connell and a scion dealing with scandal on Nob Hill (San Francisco's wealthy neighborhood). The illustrations show social embarrassment scenes: "The Scion Implores," "The Scioness" (a woman in distress), and "Mama Severely Consents." The satirical content mocks upper-class pretensions—particularly wealthy families managing reputational crises during Christmas season. The "Scion" plot involves a young society member attempting to navigate scandal while maintaining family honor. Additional brief humorous pieces mock other social types: a jockey's legal troubles and a man's absurd job interview answers. The satire targets Victorian-era class anxieties and holiday hypocrisy among San Francisco's elite.