Maus I

Why does Art Spiegelman utilize masks and make the Jewish people mice in Maus I?

• To illustrate how Artie feels about his father
• To represent the feeling that life is so much bigger than us and we are essentially mice in the scheme of things
• A reference to the dehumanization of the Jews, often depicted as vermin in Nazi Germany
• To make the novel more friendly to children

Why depict the Nazis as cats in Maus I?

• The cat/mouse dynamic parallels with the plot and tension in the graphic novel.
• Nazis often used cats to depict themselves in that time period.
• Most people think cats are evil, so Art Spiegelman thought it fit.
• Art didn't really have a reason. He just chose difference animals. 

Use your book!
On page 125, examine panel 5 closely, why would Spiegelman include a road that is shaped to resemble a swastika?

• To show the directions they could take when they are walking and further the plot
• To examine the relationship between Vladek and Anja when they are at their lowest point
• To explain why Anja and Vladek end up in Sosnowiec through vivid imagery
• To use show the hopelessness of their situation through visual symbolism

Use your book! On page 155, there is an image of a cat (Nazi) holding a pig mask. What is Spiegelman's intention in showing this image of the cat with the pig mask?

• The mice are Jewish people literally wearing masks to escape the Nazis.
• The Jews are discovered by the Nazi SS, who were undercover and posing as others to find the Jews.
• The mask is a metaphor for the way that Jews tried masking their identities during the Holocaust to hide from the Nazis.
• The masks symbolize that gestapo are moving the Jews through the city of Bielsko.

How does Artie feel towards his father at the end of the story?

• Artie is grateful that Vladek was willing to open up and tell him of his life
• Artie is enraged over the fact that Vladek burned Anja’s journals and that he didn’t even read or remember them
• Artie is unsatisfied with what little information Vladek has told him and says that he will have to finish the book another day
• Artie is happy with the information Vladek has given him and doesn’t feel as though he needs his mother's’ journals

Use your book!
What does the prologue (pg. 4-5) where Art complains about his friends leaving him show about Art and Vladek's relationship?

• Vladek is kind and caring when he gives advice to his son.
• Artie is afraid to open up to his father. 
• Vladek has a tendency to make other people's stories and situations about himself.
• Artie doesn't trust his father enough to ask him for advice.

How is young Vladek different from older Vladek?

• Young Vladek constantly lies, but older Vladek values the truth.
• Young Vladek is cheap but older Vladek is generous.
• Young Vladek seems cheerful and makes the best of things, but older Vladek is always complaining.
• Young Vladek is foolish and always gets into trouble, but older Vladek is very wise and can solve any problem.

Why does Vladek hoard stuff?

• He thinks it might be useful sometimes.

• He wants to remember the past.

• He just forgets to throw it away.

• He doesn't want to, but Mala makes him keep it.

What is the main thing Vladek and Mala fight about?

• Vladek is still in love with Anja and won't stop talking about her.
• Vladek is cheap with his money.
• Mala spends thousands of dollars without telling him.
• Mala doesn't want to listen to his stories anymore.

Which of the following themes do the actions of Vladek in the father/son scenes best illustrate?

• Conflict strengthens the bonds of family.
• The past shapes who people become.
• Misunderstandings between cultures/communities often lead to prejudice.
• Identity loss can lead to alienation.