The Wasp, 1880-05-01 · page 3 of 18
The Wasp — May 1, 1880 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of The Wasp, May 1, 1880 This page contains no political cartoon. Instead, it features: 1. **Masthead and publication information** for The Wasp, a San Francisco satirical weekly 2. **"Feuilleton" section** – a serialized essay titled "Mike in Paris" 3. **Social commentary** about Parisian high society, specifically discussing Mademoiselle Stockman (described as Belgian-born) and her salon life among French nobility The "Mike in Paris" piece appears to satirize American perspectives on European aristocracy and salon culture, mocking pretension around fashion, beauty, and social hierarchy among French nobles and wealthy foreigners. The tone is gossipy rather than overtly political—typical light satire for the magazine's society pages rather than hard-hitting editorial cartooning.