The Wasp — August 23, 1879 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Phases of History: John and Jenny" This page presents a serialized story ("Phase II") about working-class characters named John and Jenny, illustrated with multiple engravings. The narrative describes John as "a stout, healthy, good-looking fellow" whose uniform identifies him as a policeman or constable. Jenny is portrayed as an attractive working-class woman. The story depicts their romantic entanglement—John pursues Jenny despite her initial resistance and existing attachment to another man. The illustrations show dramatic river scenes and physical altercation, suggesting melodramatic adventure rather than political satire. The text emphasizes class-typical scenarios: Jenny works as a barmaid, there are references to drinking establishments and street life. This appears to be popular serialized fiction using satire's platform for entertainment rather than political commentary—typical filler content for 19th-century satirical magazines.