The Wasp — April 10, 1880 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This appears to be a **serialized fiction story** rather than a political cartoon. The page is titled "PHASES OF HISTORY: Not Generally given in Detail" and is labeled "PART XXII: GLEANINGS FROM CINDER, CINDER, AND CHAR." The text describes a domestic scene involving characters named Mrs. Wobbs, Mr. Briggs, and others in what appears to be a satirical narrative about class relations and household dynamics. The story mocks Victorian social pretensions through dialogue about servants, sleeping arrangements, and social awkwardness. This is **humorous social satire** rather than political commentary—it targets middle-class Victorian manners and domestic absurdities. Without seeing accompanying illustrations, the specific visual jokes remain unclear, but the text suggests satirizing genteel pretension and social climbing of the era.