The Wasp — 1879 — page 91: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This six-panel sequential narrative depicts a man using intellect rather than physical strength to overcome a lion. The progression shows: (1) the man casually taking a walk with umbrella, (2) napping in nature, (3) discovering a lion nearby, (4) resolving to fight despite fear, (5) accidentally opening his umbrella, which (6) terrifies the lion into fleeing "like a tin-panned dog." The satire celebrates cleverness and mental resourcefulness over brute force—the umbrella's accidental deployment proves more effective than physical combat. Without additional context about *The Wasp*'s publication date or specific political targets, the cartoon appears to be general moral commentary celebrating wit and ingenuity as superior survival tools, likely appealing to educated urban readers.