The Wasp — 1894 — page 416: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains two distinct pieces: **"A Forthcoming Divorce"** (left): A satirical story about Mr. Wellington Van Winkle, a wealthy San Francisco businessman, whose marital troubles stem from his neglecting his wife while conducting business affairs. The narrative mocks upper-class domestic drama and his attempts to reconcile through materialistic gestures. The humor targets Victorian-era wealthy society's relationship failures and the male character's obliviousness. **"Dog Salmon Fishing"** (right): A humorous illustrated sequence showing someone repeatedly failing at salmon fishing, with captions like "Here's fresh bait," "Here's a go," and "Here's a fish!" The joke appears to mock ineffective fishing attempts or sporting incompetence among leisure-class individuals. Both pieces satirize San Francisco's wealthy class and their leisure pursuits with gentle ridicule typical of satirical magazine humor.