The Wasp — 1881 — page 433: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

**The Cartoon:** The illustration labeled "PRATTLE" depicts a grotesque creature—appears to be a goat or similar animal standing upright in a mocking pose with the caption: "George do you love me?" / "I did—you know how fondly—but—" / "O George, how can you treat me thus? You have changed you!" / "Well, Clara, I have a prejudice—a—a what under the sun are you concealing that dog for?" / "O George, how unjust to poor Fido! He is only a friend." **The Satire:** This appears to be mockery of melodramatic romantic dialogue, possibly satirizing sentimental popular fiction or theater. The absurd scenario—a woman hiding a dog while engaging in overwrought romantic banter with "George"—ridicules excessive sentimentality and suspicious relationship dynamics. The piece suggests naive or fraudulent emotional performance common in period entertainment. The accompanying text discusses kissing, vaccination practices, and various social observations in characteristic satirical fashion.