Mouse 2
The Maus books were very enjoyable and informative. I think the graphic novel format largely contributed how enjoyable it was. Also, without the pictures, a lot of the symbolism wouldn't exist. As we analyzed in class, reoccurring motifs are mostly symbols or images in the panels. The pictures contribute to creating a deeper meaning that the words may not be able to do alone. The comic style also helps to make learning about the Holocaust easier. Compared with real pictures, the style makes the story a little more digestible, while not taking away from the gruesome but necessary depictions of its events. One of the book's greatest features is the animal metaphor. By using vastly different animals, Spiegelman shows the clear racist ideologies in the war. For example, cats vs mice in the book clearly show the German's superiority. Yet in reality, they were all humans. thus having minimal differences. In this way, the book puts an emphasis on race relations and conflicts, bu...