The Wasp — 1894 — page 291: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The cartoon depicts a scene labeled "The Modern Melodrama" showing what appears to be a villain in theatrical pose confronting other figures. The accompanying text provides context: Mr. Gerald Bloodgood (identified as "the millionaire") has lost his fortune on securities and cries out in despair. Delarey Littleneck, described as "always doing good," refuses to help despite Bloodgood's pleas. This satirizes wealthy society types—the ruined millionaire and the hypocritically "charitable" character—common stock figures in 19th-century melodrama. The satire mocks both financial recklessness among the wealthy and the performative morality of those claiming benevolence. It's social commentary on class and hypocrisy packaged as theatrical satire.