The Wasp — 1879 — page 154: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains miscellaneous satirical items rather than a single coherent cartoon. The illustration at top shows a wasp on what appears to be a bicycle or wheeled contraption—likely symbolizing the magazine itself. The text consists of brief satirical anecdotes and social commentary, including jabs at: - Japanese labor practices (a girl working 13 hours daily) - California editors' pretensions - Wealthy men's infidelity and hypocrisy - Fashion affectations (water bouquets at dinner tables) - Bureaucratic absurdities A longer humorous poem titled "How to Become an Angel" mocks sanctimonious behavior and religious hypocrisy through ironic advice about appearing virtuous. The final item, "Seldom at Home," depicts domestic discord when a husband returns home to find his wife has taken in multiple children—a critique of impulsive charity or marital discord.