Polarization and Unification in Complete Maus

Polarization and Unification of Identity in The Complete Maus

Trauma and recovery both have cycles in which an individual must pass through to heal. For those having lived through the Holocaust, these stages were well defined and could be addressed. However, when addressed, they only address the individual, not the group nor those affected in a secondary way. This creates a dichotomy between those experiencing an internal conflict, survivor or otherwise, and those who had experienced the physical external conflict of the Holocaust. Thus, I will argue that internal conflict is more damaging to the individual because it is polarizing both in a mental way but also with the relationships formed with others while external conflict actually serves as a bonding agent for a group by creating a common, albeit, negative experience. I am going to prove my thesis through the use of The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman. Specifically, I will examine the visual polarization between Art and his father, Vladek, in graphic elements and how it connects to Arts internal conflict. Following this, I will continue analyzing the graphic element of Maus focusing on the external conflict and how the use of visual symbolism and linkage creates a sense of unity and identity. Moving on to the literary aspect of the novel, I will explore Anja’s internal conflict with life and how it not only polarized her own mind but separated her from her son physically and mentally. Anticipating the counterargument of Mala’s and Vladek’s strained relationship I will briefly discuss the subtext of their interactions and use that to transition into the unity Vladek expresses with others experiencing the war and survivors after the war to fully expand the idea of polarizatio...

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...l are unity of identity, and polarization. These themes are seen in the external conflict of the Holocaust and with the internal conflict of guilt and will to live respectively. The unity of identity stems from a common experience and social support. Both of these are steps in the recovery process, a process in which all the Holocaust victims had to go through together. Yet, those affected secondarily or afflicted internally had to suffer alone, moving to constriction, a stage in trauma in which one withdraws from themselves and others. In this novel, it illustrates the importance of recovery at both a personal and group level. This importance of recovery is not restricted to those of massive trauma, it is of importance to even those who simply suffer from guilt. One small trauma, such as a scolding by one’s father at a young age, can make a lifetime of difference.