The Wasp — 1921 — page 36: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This appears to be a dramatic theatrical scene rather than a political cartoon. The text presents a dialogue between a General (Gretcheff) and Mademoiselle (Mel), with Lieutenant Sergeitch appearing silently at a kitchen door. The scene involves General Gretcheff asking Mademoiselle to view a picture of her mother, which he claims has protected his life as a charm. The stage directions indicate Sergeitch enters unnoticed, holding a revolver—creating dramatic tension as the General remains oblivious to the deadly threat behind him. The satire appears to target **Russian military/political figures**, given the Russian names and the setup suggesting assassination or betrayal. However, without knowing the specific historical context or publication date, the precise political reference remains **unclear**. The dramatic irony—the General unknowingly facing mortal danger—drives the theatrical tension.