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Analysis Of Maus 's ' Maus '

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Artwork/Style
1. Discuss the use of anthropomorphism (personification) in Maus, and your reaction to it. Why has Spiegleman chosen to use animals instead of people?
Spiegleman uses anthropomorphism in Maus to portray the different groups involved in the Holocaust. The main two animals used are cats used to portray Nazis and mice used to portray Jews. This use of animals instead of humans as characters helps me continue to enjoy the reading of the story as the plot is extremely dark and would otherwise leave me sadder after reading. At page 85 the frame shows three mice/Jews hanging from their necks in the middle of a street, this would be a much more horrific image if anthropomorphism had not been used. Spiegelman has chosen to use animals …show more content…

This diversity and resourcefulness give Vladek the traits of a survivor. Vladek’s resourcefulness is shown in particular when he meets young polish boys who accuse him of being a Jew, his resourcefulness keep him from running and he thinks of a logical way out of the situation. Vladek’s diversity in many different languages and skills is undoubtedly a reason why he was able to survive the Holocaust. His knowledge of all different languages can fit him in with most groups shown in the novel, the Holocaust was based off of race differences and it makes sense that if Vladek was able to speak the German’s and Pole’s language, then he would be treated differently from most other Jews. This is shown when he is able to freely communicate with polish people and is given better treatment when he teaches a pole English. The language Yiddish also gives Vladek an edge as he can essentially talk in code around others. As well as languages, Vladek works many jobs over the course of the Holocaust, showing his ability to take on new information quickly, which is a sure trait of a survivor.

Theme
2. Maus shows a family complicated by the memory of the Holocaust. Discuss how and why the relationship between Vladek and Artie is strained by memories of the past.
Art has grown up without a strong relationship with his dad. They have turned out very different people. They have both had different lives. Vladek had no choice but to take charge and be the best that

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