The Wasp — 1877 — page 43: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical comic strip mocks the interaction between humans and a monkey at what appears to be a San Francisco beach area. The narrative follows "Jocko," a monkey who outsmarts various human characters—a loafer, Bummer (offering cheap cigars), and eventually a policeman and hat-wearing gentleman (the "peeler"). The satire critiques working-class behavior: idleness, drinking ("rum begins his spirits to elate"), and petty theft. The monkey's victories over these men—stealing hats, causing chaos—invert social hierarchy, suggesting these humans are less civilized than the animal. The final image shows the triumphant monkey, having defeated all opponents and escaped further trouble. The humor relies on period-specific references to North Beach leisure culture and street characters.