The Wasp — October 4, 1879 — page 17: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page from *The Wasp* depicts "The Seven Ages of Man" reimagined through a military lens, likely commenting on American military recruitment and service during the late 19th century. The progression shows figures labeled "Satchel," "Flesher," "West Point," "Commander," and "The End of All," presenting stages from boyhood through old age. The final panel depicts soldiers in what appears to be conflict or death, with an eagle symbol suggesting American military authority. The satire appears to critique how military life encompasses all stages of existence—from innocent youth (the boy with his satchel) to eventual destruction or death ("The End of All"). The cartoon suggests a cynical view of military service as humanity's inevitable trajectory, mocking the institution's recruitment of young people into a system culminating in warfare and mortality.