The Wasp — January 17, 1880 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page is primarily **text-based editorial content**, not a cartoon. It's Part XIII of "Phases of History Not Generally Given in Detail," written by Mr. Salmi Morse for *The Wasp* magazine. The piece appears to be a **satirical narrative dialogue** featuring characters named Nat and Mr. Briggs discussing social hypocrisy and class disparities. Through their conversation, Morse critiques the contradictions between wealthy individuals' public morality and private conduct—specifically targeting business practices, worker treatment, and economic inequality of the era. The satire targets **self-righteous wealthy people** who preach virtue while engaging in exploitative practices. Without additional visual elements, the full satirical impact depends on recognizing the literary style typical of *The Wasp*'s muckraking journalism.