The Wasp — September 6, 1879 — page 5: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of The Illustrated Wasp Page This page consists primarily of a **humor advice column** titled "Questions in Zoology, Defined" rather than political cartoons. The content features illustrated Q&A exchanges with animal drawings, using animals as metaphors for human types. The satire targets social types: a "Clergyman" (hypocritical authority figure), a "School-marm" (prissy educator), an "Editor" (pompous journalist), and a "Politician" (corrupt operator). Each entry mocks these archetypes through animal comparisons—the politician is compared to a vulture, for example. The humor relies on **Victorian-era social commentary**, depicting recognizable character types readers would encounter. While specific political figures aren't identified, the satire aims at institutions and professional classes rather than individual politicians or events.