The Wasp — 1892 — page 348: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical piece depicts a confrontation between a janitor and a jurist (judge/lawyer) in a building's chambers. The cartoon illustrates class conflict through their physical altercation over cleaning duties and professional dignity. The narrative describes how the janitor—an Irish immigrant with "pre-eminent efficiency"—encounters a pretentious jurist who yells at him over uncleaned spots. What begins as a "tug-of-war" escalates into actual combat, with the janitor ultimately defeating the judge. The satire mocks professional self-importance and suggests that working-class dignity can triumph over aristocratic pretension. The piece uses humor to critique class hierarchies of the era, portraying the laborer as ultimately victorious against his social "superior." It reflects period attitudes toward Irish workers and judicial pomposity.