The Wasp, 1913 · page 208 of 364
The Wasp — 1913 — page 208: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page appears to be from a serialized fiction story rather than a political cartoon. It depicts a scene aboard a ship where a character named Burnham is being promoted to quartermaster by Captain Trimmer after fighting bravely. The narrative describes a moment of dark irony: despite receiving this honor and promotion from his crew of pirates or sailors of questionable character, Burnham feels no genuine gratitude. Instead, he experiences a brief flash of disgust for Trimmer, "the woman," the cheering crew, and himself—a moment too fleeting to fully register. The satire appears subtle: the "gentlemen of fortune" (a euphemism for pirates) conducting formal ceremonies with bows and cheers, while one crew member still holds a "red knife," suggesting recent violence. The piece critiques the performative nature of honor and camaraderie among morally compromised men. Without additional context about *The Wasp* magazine or this serialized story's plot, the specific social commentary remains unclear.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
er THE WASP 203 moted, no one felt inclined to risk saying so. The man with the damaged nose glared around him hopefully, his red knife still in his hand; but no- body cared to invite a second exhibition of his prowess in debate. “Mr. Burnham, this company of gentlemen of fortune has elected you to the berth and rank of quartermaster,” Trimmer said. ‘This means that you rank as the junior officer. Mr. Nairn, third mate and boatswain, will instruct you in your du- : ties. You fought like a hero to-day, Jim, and de- serve the honor that has been bestowed upon you by your comrades.”’ A ragged cheer went up, after which the cook called all hands to supper. Burnham raised his hat and bowed to Trimmer, then turned and bowed to the crew. He was pleased, but he felt nothing in any way resembling gratitude. For a fleeting moment he was conscious of a sharp disgust for Trimmer, the woman, the cheer- ing ruffans, and himself; but the sensation was al- most too brief to record itself on his brain. He Comichooks.com