The Wasp — 1881 — page 116: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains three distinct sections: a humor piece titled "How Jokes Are Made," a story called "A Lover's Revenge," and "Wasp's Improved Webster"—a dictionary of satirical definitions. The cartoon accompanying "A Lover's Revenge" depicts a confrontation between a young man and an older miller by a river. The story describes how a poor young man (Lick) falls in love with a miller's daughter in Pennsylvania, but the proud father forbids the match. After years of success in California, Lick returns to confront the miller with a revolver, seeking revenge for the humiliation. The "Improved Webster" section contains tongue-in-cheek definitions mocking various social and political concepts of the era, using satire to critique American institutions and behavior.