The Wasp, 1918 · page 184 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 184: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a narrative fiction excerpt, not a political cartoon. The page depicts a scene aboard a ship where Jim Burnham has been promoted to quartermaster following heroic action in combat. Captain Trimmer announces the promotion, the crew cheers, and Burnham experiences conflicted emotions—feeling pleased but disgusted by Trimmer, the crew, and himself. The passage emphasizes Burnham's moral detachment and cynicism. Despite his bravery earning him rank, he feels no genuine gratitude and views those around him with contempt. Welsh Owen, drunk and injured, attempts to claim credit for supporting Burnham's election, highlighting the self-serving nature of the crew's politics. The satirical point appears to be exposing the hypocrisy and moral emptiness beneath nautical hierarchy and working-class camaraderie—promotion based on expedience rather than merit, and the performative nature of crew solidarity.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE WASP 176 of quartermaster,’ Trimmer said. -‘ This means that you rank as the junior officer. Mr. Nairn, third mate and boatswain, will instruct you in your duties. You fought like a hero to-day, Jim, and deserve the honour that has been bestowed upon you by your com- : rades.” 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 cheering ruffians, and himself ; but the sensation was almost too brief to record itself on his brain. He turned again to speak to John Trimmer ; but the captain had vanished. _ The new quartermaster went forward and ate his supper with the men. © The first, second and third mates and the gunner did the same. Welsh Owen, the possessor of the. bandaged head and broken nose, drew the new officer’s attention to the fact that he, Mr. Owen, had silenced all opposition to Mr. Burnham’s elec- | tion. The Welshman was not sober. ee | noticed it,’ replicd Burnham, “and commichooks.com