I was not sure at first how I would like Maus however I heard many good things so I went in with an open mind. What I found was first wow and then more of an understanding. Vladek feels a need (even though unsaid) to get closer to his son however his son feels the need to pull away. I have not done any research on 2nd and 3rd generation survivors however it would be interesting to see the similarities and coorelation. It is almost sad how his father keeps himself busy with menial things like counting nails and counting pills when his survival was so moving. I wonder if there is some significance to the counting or if it is just to show his lack of importance or at least his perceived lack of importance.
I found it interesting that different animals were used and at first didn't see the significance however after a little surfing I found out that the animals have a specific meaning. The Jews are mice b'c the Nazis often referred to them as vermin and the pigs as Polish has to do with their selfishness. I was able to find a complete listing however these are the only two I could recover information from Spiegelman himself regarding the characters. I'll keep searchign on this b'c it feels a little like Animal Farm by George Orwell.
I spent a lot of time wondering why Vladek married Mala if he does not love her and while I suppose it is purely out of companionship perhaps it is also because he simply cannot be alone after the experiences he endured. I did notice that survivors tend to stick together which explains a little fo their marriage. The relationship between Mala and Vladek is puzzling because at no point is there any sign of genuine concern or love of any kind.
One of the things I liked most about Maus was the language. The grammar (or lack there of) made the story seem so real and so oratory. It gave the feeling that you are sitting on grandpa's knee hearing about his life, there was intimacy which is surprising given the distance between Vladek and his son Art. I could almost hear the accents in his voice, it was great...really brought the story together.
I would be interested to hear anyone's thoughts on the animalistic characterization. Anyone have any facts on this?
I got the same image in my head concerning Vladek's grammar in the American setting vs. the Polish setting. Story time is about right.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I thought the switch back and forth was charming. At first it was a little jarring, trying to auto-correct the grammar in my head. I've found it most helpful to read those part of the narrative out loud. That way I get the message without losing "the flavor" of the language Art very specifically chose to use/leave uncorrected.
I think that the significance of Maus is not in the story of the Holocaust itself, but rather in the personal narrative of Vladek and his son, Art. The relationship between them certainly adds another dimension to the storyline.
ReplyDeleteI would have to disagree with you on one thing however. I believe that Vladek's experience in the concentration camps caused him to distance himself from people. As it was seen several times in Book II, the prisoners were more concerned with survival than relationships. I think that this mentality affected Art also, causing him to be more distant with his father, and also influencing Vladek's relationship with Mala.
As far as the animal imagery goes, I too thought of Animal Farm. It is an artistic way for an illustrator to show differences, but I don't find it too creative myself.