The Wasp — 1894 — page 87: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon illustrates a satirical dialogue between two women about corporal punishment in schools. One woman says she won't send her child back to school "any more," while the other asks "Why not, dear?" The first responds that "the teacher shook a mouse on a string at us this afternoon in order to teach us the proper expression and attitude for object terror." The satire mocks overly harsh or bizarre teaching methods of the era by depicting an absurdly cruel technique—using a live mouse to teach children fear. It critiques educators who prioritize instilling fear and obedience over genuine learning, suggesting such "realistic teaching" produces psychological damage rather than education. The cartoon presents this cruelty as ridiculous through deadpan delivery.