The Horrors Of Family In Maus By Art Spiegelman

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Blood runs thicker than water. Art Spiegelman portrays a story through a non-traditional form of literature. Humans are not drawn; however, animals are used to represent a different group of individuals. The mice are the Jews, the Cats are the Germans, and the pigs are the Poles. Albeit the clear-cut framework, Maus is a novel that paints the horrors of the Holocaust and the aftermath. Spiegelman interviews his father, Vladek, for his personal recollection and experience from the tragedy. The novel itself is divided into two volumes, developing the characters over the span of both. The concept of family is emphasized through Vladek’s relationship with Art. The past serves as a barrier between Vladek and Art; creating communicational issues, …show more content…

Communication is not only limited to verbal interactions, but the actions between two individuals. Vladek’s experience as a Holocaust survivor shapes his mentality throughout the entirety of both volumes. His tendencies appear odd at first, but they begin to make sense as the novel progresses. Art attempts to interview his father over multiple sessions; however, Vladek tends to ramble or steer off topic. In volume one Art tries to acquire information about his father’s experience with army training and on the field. Despite that, Vladek begins to talk about his father. He adds, “the next year father wanted I would again do the same thing, but I begged him and at 22 went into the army” (Spiegelman p.47). Art realizes the change in subject, and tries to get his father to continue with his specific timeline. The act of digressing occurs multiple times in Maus, showing that Vladek is incapable of tell his story to the most accurate extent. In addition, the duo tends to argue over trivial matters. Art voices his frustration in volume two as he says, “mainly I remember arguing with him and being told that I couldn’t do anything as well as he could” (Spiegelman p.44). The combination of feeling inadequate along with continuous arguments with his father was detrimental to their relationship. Art refrains from contacting his father because he

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