The Wasp — 1878 — page 397: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical eight-panel sequence depicts a wealthy man attempting to train his small dog through increasingly brutal methods. The narrative progresses from initial dog training ("tricks and freaks that are but vain") to beatings ("beat the brute into a fright"), severe discipline, threats, and forced water jumps—culminating in the dog's complete alienation from its master. The satire appears to critique harsh disciplinary approaches, likely referencing educational practices of the era. The wealthy figure represents authority figures (possibly parents or educators) whose heavy-handed "tuition" or training produces fear and estrangement rather than genuine obedience or learning. The dog symbolizes the student or child subjected to such methods. The point: brutality backfires, creating distance rather than respect.