The Wasp — 1878 — page 62: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains primarily **text content rather than cartoons**—specifically a gossip/advice column called "Answers to Correspondents" mixed with poetry sections like "A Bachelor's Apology" and "A Hard Test." The column features **satirical responses to fictional reader letters** on social topics: proper etiquette for returning borrowed items, marriage advice, temperance organization criticism, and commentary on French vs. English heraldry pronunciation. The humor relies on **witty, sardonic replies to absurd situations**—such as mocking someone who wants to telegraph shoes to New York, or mocking pretentious French heraldic terminology. This format was typical of The Wasp's satirical approach: using invented correspondents to lampoon contemporary social conventions and attitudes rather than targeting specific political figures. The tone is **lighthearted social criticism** aimed at upper-class manners and pretensions.