Judge — May 15, 1926 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Last Straw" - Political Cartoon Analysis This wordless sequential comic by Milt Gross depicts a conflict escalating between two men in bowler hats. The first man repeatedly attempts to pass something to the second (appearing to offer or thrust items at him), who consistently refuses or rejects each advance. Their interaction intensifies through multiple panels—moving from verbal disagreement to physical struggle to outright combat. The final panel reveals the consequence: a massive explosion or destruction affecting multiple figures and buildings. The title "The Last Straw" suggests the cartoon illustrates how repeated provocations or rejections, though individually minor, can accumulate until they trigger catastrophic conflict or retaliation. The specific political context—which figures or nations are represented—remains unclear without additional historical documentation.