The Wasp — March 27, 1880 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis: "The Illustrated Wasp" Page 571 This page contains a letter titled "My Dear Grandma" describing a school exhibition visit. The writer discusses seeing Wasp, a young girl with apparent intellectual disabilities, and notes her limited social skills and round shoulders. The satirical commentary critiques both Wasp herself and contemporary attitudes toward disability. The letter writer appears condescending, questioning whether Wasp could "make chocolates and cakes" or perform domestic labor. The text suggests Wasp lacks typical feminine accomplishments and social graces. The accompanying illustrations show various scenes of daily life and children at play. The satire targets both the subject's perceived inadequacies and the society that defines worth through narrow standards of femininity and productivity. The piece reflects period attitudes toward disability and gender expectations, presented here for mockery or critique.