Mouse 2

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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, but also shows the meaningless nature of war waged on racist beliefs. 

Alongside, the fluidity of the timeline throughout the book helps convey themes. The past and present is very connected in Maus, which reveals issues like generational trauma and family relationships. If the book only showed Vladek's past in the war, it would fail to show any larger effects. By creating a story inside a story, Spiegelman provides an all encompassing experience to readers that does not leave anything behind. 

Overall, Maus was nothing short of a masterpiece. From being humorous to educational, Maus is a complete book.  


Comments

  1. Jaesung KimDecember 10, 2023 at 7:48 AM

    I like the point you made about how the comic style makes easier for us to understand what was going on then words describing it, but also it showed some of the most vile things that were done during the holocaust. I share the sentiment that Maus was one of the greatest books I've ever read.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousDecember 10, 2023 at 8:16 PM

    I agree with your point about the comic style making the easier to read as it deals with the gruesome topic of the Holocaust, but the style still conveys the serious nature of the topic.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousDecember 11, 2023 at 4:53 AM

    I also think that Spiegelman’s choice of representing the characters as animals is a unique but powerful choice because it adds so much meaning to the characters and their motives without knowing too much about them. - Andy

    ReplyDelete

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