The Wasp — 1879 — page 327: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a humorous sequential narrative rather than political satire. The six-panel comic depicts a man named John's escalating misadventure in a bathtub: 1. John relaxes in a hot bath 2. He remains despite mounting chaos 3. The situation becomes "furious" (the tub apparently overflows or collapses) 4. Things reach comedic disaster ("Goodness! gracious!") 5. A woman (possibly his wife or mother) emerges astonished, declaring "Well! I never! that is hardly ever!" 6. The aftermath shows the destruction, with people observing the wreckage The satire appears to mock domestic chaos and male foolishness rather than target specific political figures. It's typical period humor about household mishaps escalating absurdly—a "lark" (prank/joke) gone wrong.