Survival In Art Spigman's Maus

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Art Spigmans graphic novel Maus exhibits the realities of the life during the holocaust, echoing on throughout the decades to the present day. The present themes allow one to draw on the deep analysis and the motifs explored throughout and the short and long term affects upon individuals and communities. The idea of compassion is a constant theme proven throughout the novel due to opinions amongst characters altering when new information is learnt. Endless prejudice against races is another important theme addresses in Maus, shown through the continual mistreatment of the Jewish community. Further- more from the theme of racial predjuse is the concept of survival. Survival is an imperative notion in Maus becoming obvious that individuals will do anything it takes to stay alive as it is vital even if it means turning others in to the authorities. Finally, the timeless ideal of family is conscious for the duration of the text, welcomed by the fact that absolutely anything will be completed to obtain to keep or regain …show more content…

It is evident that self-preservation is considered as individuals had to think of ways to survive day to day due to the circumstances. Spigelman use of the phrase ”surviors tale” allows the audience to have their own perspective in which is going to take place in forms of survival that become a re occurring theme. However anja and valdek survived the holocaust physically but evidentially mentally they didn’t survive emotionally resulting in the taking of her own life for Anja and vladek behavior which affects him negatively. It is evident that vladek had challenges and confronting issues that arise. An example of survial in maus comes into place when vladek quotes “ and we came ‘til the orison and there they put us” pg 157 the point of time vladek is reflecting on emotional and physically challenges that he went through in his

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