Maus

Nonfiction | Graphic Novel/Book | Adult | Published in 1986

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Before You Read

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-2

Part 1, Chapters 3-4

Part 1, Chapters 5-6

Part 2, Chapter 1

Part 2, Chapters 2-3

Part 2, Chapters 4-5

Key Figures

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Quiz

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Why does Art Spiegelman use animals to represent the people of Maus? Explain why he chooses certain animals to represent different nationalities and ethnic groups. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this choice?

Spiegelman begins Maus with the story of his parents’ courtship against Vladek’s wishes. What are Art’s and Vladek’s perspectives on this issue? Why is it important to detail their life before the war?

How do the present-day interactions between Art and Vladek influence the narrative? How does growing up with Holocaust survivors affect Art, and what story elements does he struggle with depicting?