The Wasp — 1894 — page 152: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains several satirical pieces mixing poetry, dialogue, and illustrations—primarily social satire rather than political commentary. **"The Fin de Siecle Girl"** is a poem mocking contemporary romantic expectations. It narrates a woman's engagement to "Arthur" (lost on stocks), her shift to the "severe and dark" Paul, then to "John" (plain but practical), finally settling for a man with a "thousand dollar diamond ring"—satirizing materialistic marriage practices among the wealthy. **"Mutual Admiration"** depicts two women exchanging flattery about their calves/legs, while a man asks unsarcastically about seeing them at the beach—poking fun at both affected female compliments and male behavior. The remaining pieces ("A Recreant," "When She Comes Back," "Alas! It Got Wet," and dialogue sections) appear to be light social comedies about relationships, fashion, and theatrical/professional life—typical humor for The Wasp's audience.