The Wasp — 1881 — page 16: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page presents a satirical New Year's story rather than a political cartoon. The narrative depicts Mrs. Mawworthy's arrival in San Francisco after a year abroad, discovering her husband Thompson has squandered their fortune through various indulgences—expensive liquors, questionable business ventures, and apparent infidelities. The satire targets wealthy, foolish husbands who abuse their wives' trust and family resources. Thompson's transparent excuses and elaborate lies about his spending are mocked throughout. The piece also ridicules Mrs. Thompson's naive acceptance of his explanations, suggesting social criticism of both marital dysfunction and class pretension among San Francisco's elite. The humor relies on exaggerated Victorian domestic drama rather than topical political commentary.