The Wasp — November 8, 1879 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# The Illustrated Wasp, Page 251 This page contains two distinct pieces: **Left illustration**: Shows a figure (likely a Jewish man, based on period caricature style) in conversation, illustrating the article "The Two Sabbaths" about religious observance practices. **Right illustration and article**: "Human Trash and their Deserts" discusses a character named Bully and Sophia Cohen. The text details various criminal activities—theft, assault, battery—and judicial outcomes. It appears to be a morality tale documenting criminal convictions and punishments. The magazine's satirical approach uses these stories to critique social behaviors and legal consequences, reflecting late 19th-century American attitudes toward crime, punishment, and marginalized communities. The tone is judgmental, presenting crime and its consequences as entertainment for readers.