Maus Essay:
Art Spiegelman’s graphic novel, Maus, tells the story of the horrific ordeals that the Jews faced during The Holocaust. Spiegelman tells the story of his father, Vladek, and of his time during WWII. Vladek is portrayed as possessing many negative traits such as being money-minded, stern and independent. Although viewed in a negative way, these traits were required for Vladek’s survival and therefore they can be overlooked with empathy. Vladek was extremely money-minded and this was shown throughout the graphic novel. Vladek's obsession with money is not necessarily a valued trait to have, as it can get in the way of happiness and everyday life. Besides the negative side of being money-minded, empathy is shown towards Vladek as, he had to be careful with money during the horrors or WWII, to survive. "If she was sick what did I …show more content…
Art was mainly effected by Vladek's behaviours as it made his childhood difficult as his father never felt empathy toward him. Because of Vladek's exceptionally decipline and realistic attitude with art, empathy is given to Art as his father was extremely cruel and harsh with him during his whole life. This was displayed when Vladek said, "If you lock them together in a room for a week... they you could see what it is friends.", it demonstrates how realistic and stern Vladek was towards Art at such a young age and how difficult it would be to hear that in his early years of life. Vladek also showed this trait in an aggressive manner when he said, "NO! You don't know counting pills I'll do it after...", it indicates how Vladek can get very aggressive with Art for no apparent reason. Art receives lots of empathy as this trait is hard to cope with especially as a young child. Overall, the Nazi's took all of Vladek's happiness that he had before the war. This is why Vladek's attitude is stern and non forgiving and empathy is giving to Art and sometimes disapproval towards
Art Spiegelman’s graphic novel, Maus, tells the story of the horrific ordeals that the Jews faced during The Holocaust. Spiegelman tells the story of his father, Vladek, and of his time during WWII. Vladek is portrayed as possessing many negative traits such as being money-minded, stern and independent. Although viewed in a negative way, these traits were required for Vladek’s survival and therefore they can be overlooked with empathy. Vladek was extremely money-minded and this was shown throughout the graphic novel. Vladek's obsession with money is not necessarily a valued trait to have, as it can get in the way of happiness and everyday life. Besides the negative side of being money-minded, empathy is shown towards Vladek as, he had to be careful with money during the horrors or WWII, to survive. "If she was sick what did I …show more content…
Art was mainly effected by Vladek's behaviours as it made his childhood difficult as his father never felt empathy toward him. Because of Vladek's exceptionally decipline and realistic attitude with art, empathy is given to Art as his father was extremely cruel and harsh with him during his whole life. This was displayed when Vladek said, "If you lock them together in a room for a week... they you could see what it is friends.", it demonstrates how realistic and stern Vladek was towards Art at such a young age and how difficult it would be to hear that in his early years of life. Vladek also showed this trait in an aggressive manner when he said, "NO! You don't know counting pills I'll do it after...", it indicates how Vladek can get very aggressive with Art for no apparent reason. Art receives lots of empathy as this trait is hard to cope with especially as a young child. Overall, the Nazi's took all of Vladek's happiness that he had before the war. This is why Vladek's attitude is stern and non forgiving and empathy is giving to Art and sometimes disapproval towards