The Wasp — 1879 — page 163: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page from *The Wasp* contains a serialized story titled "Phases of History" by Saimi Morse, illustrated with wood engravings. It's **not primarily a political cartoon** but rather a humorous narrative piece. The story describes a comical domestic incident involving a young man, an elderly woman, and a cat, told with exaggerated Victorian melodrama. The illustrations depict the chaos—a knocked-over pot, struggling animals, frightened people—creating slapstick humor through detailed engravings. The narrative style and elaborate dialogue mock overwrought period storytelling conventions. The numerous inline illustrations interrupt the text comedically, emphasizing physical farce over political satire. This appears to be entertainment-focused rather than commentary on contemporary politics or social issues.