Memories and the Past Bleed into the Present
Memories that are in the past, are in the past, right? But, do they still have an impact on one’s life? Throughout Maus I, a graphic novel written by Art Spiegelman, memories and a reflection of the past are exhibited as a prevalent motif. Vladek Spiegelman tells of his experiences as a Jew during World War II. With the progression of the story, the lasting impact of the War and the Holocaust becomes clear. Memories and the past can have an enduring effect on a person’s relationships, personality, and outlook.
Memories and the past, two things that are challenging to rid one’s self of, are ever present and can be found throughout relationships. Vladek’s experiences during the War and its aftermath seeped into the pores of his relationship with his wife. “‘A wire hanger you give him! I haven’t seen Artie in almost two years- we have plenty of wooden hangers’…. They didn’t get along” (Spiegelman 11). Mala and Vladek’s strained marriage illustrates how events surrounding World War II affected …show more content…
“Yes, look- you don’t eat anything!... So finish at least what’s on your plate!” (Spiegelman 43). During the Holocaust, one of the ways the Nazis dehumanized their victims would be to starve them. Without food, it would be easier for them to die or be killed. Since Vladek experienced a severe deficit of food during WWII when hiding from the Nazis, he desired for his son to eat as much as possible because of a remembrance of a lack of food (112). “Pssh. Why always you want to buy when you can find!? Anyway, this wire they don’t have it in any stores” (Spiegelman 116). By eagerly picking up the wire, his survival instinct is exhibited. Vladek’s memories of starvation and past of living without necessities bled into his personality, causing him to possess a frugal
Memories that are in the past, are in the past, right? But, do they still have an impact on one’s life? Throughout Maus I, a graphic novel written by Art Spiegelman, memories and a reflection of the past are exhibited as a prevalent motif. Vladek Spiegelman tells of his experiences as a Jew during World War II. With the progression of the story, the lasting impact of the War and the Holocaust becomes clear. Memories and the past can have an enduring effect on a person’s relationships, personality, and outlook.
Memories and the past, two things that are challenging to rid one’s self of, are ever present and can be found throughout relationships. Vladek’s experiences during the War and its aftermath seeped into the pores of his relationship with his wife. “‘A wire hanger you give him! I haven’t seen Artie in almost two years- we have plenty of wooden hangers’…. They didn’t get along” (Spiegelman 11). Mala and Vladek’s strained marriage illustrates how events surrounding World War II affected …show more content…
“Yes, look- you don’t eat anything!... So finish at least what’s on your plate!” (Spiegelman 43). During the Holocaust, one of the ways the Nazis dehumanized their victims would be to starve them. Without food, it would be easier for them to die or be killed. Since Vladek experienced a severe deficit of food during WWII when hiding from the Nazis, he desired for his son to eat as much as possible because of a remembrance of a lack of food (112). “Pssh. Why always you want to buy when you can find!? Anyway, this wire they don’t have it in any stores” (Spiegelman 116). By eagerly picking up the wire, his survival instinct is exhibited. Vladek’s memories of starvation and past of living without necessities bled into his personality, causing him to possess a frugal