The Wasp — December 20, 1879 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "The Wasp" - December 20, 1879 This satirical cartoon depicts two well-dressed men operating scales labeled "SALARIES," seemingly weighing workers or labor. The left side shows "MORE WORK, LESS SALARIES" while the right shows "MORE SALARIES, NO WORK." The caption reads: "THE RETRENCHMENT OF THE NEW AND THE EXTRAVAGANCE OF THE OLD BALANCED." The cartoon appears to critique economic inequality and labor practices of the era. The two figures—likely representing competing business philosophies or political factions—are portrayed as deliberately manipulating the system: one exploits workers through increased labor with decreased pay, while the other wastes money on unnecessary salaries for idle workers. The scales suggest both approaches are equally problematic, satirizing how different economic systems claim balance while perpetuating inefficiency or exploitation.