The Wasp — 1881 — page 312: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains **three distinct pieces**: 1. **"At the Dog Show"** - A poem satirizing pretentious dog show enthusiasts who treat their pets like aristocrats, with absurd affectations and competitive vanity. 2. **"The Mouse Question"** - A humorous dialogue between Mr. and Mrs. Peasely about mice invading their home. The satire mocks overly dramatic responses to domestic pest problems, with Mrs. Peasely proposing increasingly ridiculous solutions while her husband grows exasperated. 3. **"The Devil's Dictionary"** - A glossary section (entries A-B) offering sardonic definitions. For example, "Aurora" is defined mockingly, and "Australia" is described as a penal colony, reflecting period attitudes toward the country. The page blends domestic comedy with social commentary typical of 1880s American satirical magazines.