Today in class we discussed chapters one through four of Maus. Maus is a graphic nonfiction memoir by Art Spiegelman depicting him interviewing his father about his experiences as a Polish Jew and Holocaust survivor.
In class, we discussed why the story is told in this way. Upon receiving this prompt, we needed to identify what “this way” entailed. In groups, this was examined and argued.
Many groups highlighted the importance of anthropomorphism (giving human characteristics to animals) in telling the story. Various significances were centralized. In lieu of the Nazi cats and the Jewish mice, some stated the natural feud of the cat and mouse portrayed the roles of the time - predator and prey. Also, the lack of human figures in the graphic memoir is in regard to the lack of human morality and human dignity. Additionally, the use of animals and the comic genre makes the content more light hearted. Therefore, appealing to a reader ignorant on the subject of the holocaust. Thus, easing him or her into the despicable reality and possibly provoking curiosity and desire to learn more historical context.
Other groups claimed the graphic nature of the memoir provided additional understanding of the history. Specifically, the frame narrative (a story within a story) is captivating and easier to follow with visual imagery. Also, this device provides a clearer picture of how jews were viewed and treated.
We then identified impacting panels and ideas within the memoir. The majority claimed the scene of the mice hanging from the gallows was the most impacting. The panels visibly portrayed the maltreatment of jews. Also, the noose served the purpose of a mouse trap further solidifying the mouse-jew metaphor.
The class also acknowledged the scene of the grandparents being taken to Auschwitz. This ominous event portrays the commonality of death, dominance of the Nazis, oppression of the jews, and the exploitation of power. Although animals are used to portray this horrific event, the reader still feels solemn and somber. This reaction is by nature of the events about to take place, for they happened to real people amidst WWII.
We then identified impacting panels and ideas within the memoir. The majority claimed the scene of the mice hanging from the gallows was the most impacting. The panels visibly portrayed the maltreatment of jews. Also, the noose served the purpose of a mouse trap further solidifying the mouse-jew metaphor.
The class also acknowledged the scene of the grandparents being taken to Auschwitz. This ominous event portrays the commonality of death, dominance of the Nazis, oppression of the jews, and the exploitation of power. Although animals are used to portray this horrific event, the reader still feels solemn and somber. This reaction is by nature of the events about to take place, for they happened to real people amidst WWII.
After our discussion, Professor introduced terms related to the graphic memoir.
- Maus is a graphic novel / nonfiction / memoir
Therefore, it is a literary and visual account
Literary in that it has…
-plot
-character
-narrative perspective
-frame narrative
Visual in that it has…
-composition
-arrangement
-value
-focal point
- Panel: contained segment
- Frames: individual boxes
- Gutter: spaces in between frames
- Captions: narrator's commentary
- Speech bubble: dialogue
We ended class with more discussion on the midterm exam. The guidelines and prompts have been distributed and are due Tuesday. HAPPY WRITING!
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