The Wasp — 1880 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "The Illustrated Wasp" Page This page is primarily a **dictionary/glossary section** ("Wasp's Improved Webster") defining words in ten-cent doses, rather than a political cartoon. The left column contains social commentary verse titled "Nothing in It?" that satirizes contemporary attitudes—mocking how people dismiss social concerns and reform efforts as pointless ("there's nothing in it"). The illustration shows a cherub or angel figure holding a banner labeled "NOTHING IN IT"—visualizing the poem's central critique of social apathy. The rest of the page consists of alphabetical word definitions (A-A entries visible), functioning as both satire and practical dictionary. This format appears typical of **The Wasp's mixed content**: combining biting social commentary with humor and reference material for readers.