We began our discussion of Maus I: My Father Bleeds History by reading Antonio Oliver's "A Different Type of Holocaust Literature." I'm curious to know what you think about Spiegelman's method of presentation in this graphic memoir. Is it appropriate? Is it insensitive? Some of you initially think so--that's OK. I wonder if your point of view will change after you read the memoir.
As you're reading, take annotations on:
1. Spiegelman's portrayal of the father/son relationship.
2. How his use of drawings enhance the story he is telling.
3. The relationship between Vladek's flashbacks and the present day events of the memoir.
Due tomorrow: After reading chapters one and two, answer the following questions:
1. What is the first thing you notice about Spiegelman's method of presentation?
2. What characterizes his comic-book style?
3. Before the memoir properly begins, why does Spiegelman (Artie) present us with the roller-skating episode from his childhood?
4. Why does Art include the story about Lucia, when his father told him to leave it out? What does Art mean when he says he wants to make the story more real, more human?
5. Why do you think Art concludes the chapter in the way he does? Create two questions (and answers) about rhetorical strategies used in these chapters. (Symbolism questions are fine, but do not use the obvious “Why are the Jews symbolized as mice and the Nazis as cats?” one.)
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