The Wasp — December 25, 1879 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page from *The Wasp* (page 357) contains serialized fiction rather than political cartoons. The text is a maritime adventure story titled "The Phantom Ship of Saloniqu[e]" with a "Sequel" section beginning midpage. The narrative describes a harrowing sea voyage involving a becalmed ship, a crew in distress, and supernatural or mysterious events—including references to a "phantom ship" and curses. The story features dialogue between sailors and appears designed for serialized entertainment. This represents *The Wasp*'s literary content rather than its satirical cartooning. Without visible illustrations on this particular page, the satirical or political commentary—if any—would depend on how the fictional narrative might allegorically reference contemporary events, which isn't clearly apparent from the text alone.