The Wasp — 1879 — page 171: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page parodies Shakespeare's "Seven Ages of Man" speech using American military and political figures. The seven stages are labeled: **Samuel** (child with books), **Flesher** (farmer/laborer), **West Point** (military officer), **Commander** (cavalry officer), **Politician** (suited civilian with document), **Ranter** (loaded with military gear), and **The End of All** (skeleton surrounded by mourning figures in military dress). The satire appears to critique how American men progress from education through labor and military service, ultimately to death—with the final stage emphasizing military casualties or the destructive end result of military careers. The imagery suggests commentary on American militarism, warfare's consequences, or the life trajectory of soldiers. The specific political figures remain unclear from the labels alone.