The Wasp — February 28, 1880 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "Birds of Evil Omen" Page This page from *The Wasp* discusses ravens as symbols of evil in literature and mythology. The large engraving depicts ravens gathered around a dead horse or carcass in a rural landscape. The text explains that ravens are "denominated as birds of evil omen" in poetry and folk belief, citing references from *Othello*, *The Tempest*, and classical mythology. It notes the bird's association with death, disease, and misfortune across cultures—from Scandinavian to German traditions. Rather than political satire, this appears to be **cultural commentary**: an illustrated essay exploring how ravens function symbolically in Western literature and superstition. The page educates readers about the bird's dark reputation across different literary and mythological traditions, connecting folklore to canonical literary sources.