The Holocaust In Art Speigelman's Maus

Art Speigelman’s Maus is a graphic novel that clearly displays the appalling treatment of the Jews during the Holocaust. Throughout the novel it becomes clear that the text is not just about experiencing the Holocaust but surviving its impact. It can be easily seen that the effects of the war are long lasting and Vladek was undeniably traumatised by the ordeal. Despite physically surviving the war, in some ways Vladek did not survive. The Holocaust also impacted Art, even though he did not directly experience it, and Vladek’s relationship with Mala.

Despite physically surviving the war, Vladek did not escape the emotional trauma that accompanied his survival. Vladek’s continuing anguish is highlighted in many ways. Due to the horrific treatment …show more content…
This is obvious in many instances throughout the novel. It is apparent that during Art’s youth and adult years, he is always made to feel inferior to his father. Vladek clearly takes pride in his competence at a wide variety of skills, often at the expense of Art’s talents and achievements. Throughout his childhood, Art feels as though he can never live up to his father, particularly his greatest achievement of all: surviving Auschwitz. Art expresses his feelings on the situation with his therapist Pavel. “I was always being told that I couldn’t do anything as well as he could. No matter what I accomplish it doesn't seem like much compared to surviving Auschwitz.” It can be seen that Vladek’s pride in his skills stems from the advantages they gave him in the war. The text also exhibits the Holocaust’s impact on Art through his comparison to Richieu. Although he is never directly compared to his dead brother, Art senses his parents favouritism. Throughout the text, Vladek and Anja’s undying love for Richieu is obvious, however it can be clearly seen that the feeling is not always equally replicated for Art. Art’s conversation with Françoise highlights this. “The photo never threw tantrums or got in any kind of trouble. It was an ideal kid and I was a pain in the ass. I couldn’t compete.” Through Art’s feelings of inferiority to both his father and brother, it can be seen that the effects of the …show more content…
It is evident that they have a volatile and strained relationship. Much of this stems from the repercussions of the war on Vladek. Due to his inability to spend his own money, Mala feels as though she never has enough. Whilst Vladek views the situation as Mala being money dependent and greedy, Mala argues that Vladek is a frugal hoarder who refuses to allow her the bare necessities. “He drives me crazy!…He’s more attached to things than people!” Mala’s relationship with Vladek clearly upsets her as she often threatens to leave the marriage. “I really don’t know how long I can take him. I really don’t.” Mala also states that the war affected Vladek much more than anyone else. “Fah! I went through the camps, all our friends went through the camps. No one is like him!” Vladek too complains to Art about Mala. “If I only say one word to her, she makes right away an argument.” It is clear throughout the novel that Vladek and Mala’s relationship is affected by the war. Their empathy for each other is extremely limited and as a result they do not get