The Wasp — 1879 — page 237: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page features a skeleton illustration titled "RATTLE ONE" accompanying an editorial meditation on death. The skeleton holds a rattle—hence the title's pun on "death rattles" (final gasps) and literal rattles. The text is philosophical rather than satirical, arguing that death is inevitable and universal, affecting rich and poor alike. It references various historical and literary figures (Jacobin, Pythagoras, Cato, Mohammed) to illustrate how death has always preoccupied humanity. Rather than attacking specific political figures, this appears to be existential commentary—typical of 19th-century periodicals that mixed satire with meditative essays. The skeleton imagery was common Victorian memento mori symbolism, reminding readers of mortality's democratic nature.