Maus (Spiegleman) - Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions
The questions below have been submitted to LitLovers by our Associate, Jennifer Johnson, M.A., M.L.I.S. a Reference Librarian at the Springdale (Arkansas) Public Library. Thanks, as always, Jennifer.

1. After reading Maus, what did you think of the story? How did the format assist in telling of the narrative? Do you think the story could have been told without the visual component? If so, in what way?

2. The narrative is told through the voice and drawings of Art Spiegelman. What differences can we see between the younger and older Vladek Spiegelman? Consider the differences in dialect, communication, and body language.

3. Consider the graphic novel format — how does Art utilize the format to the best of his ability? What cultural cliches can be identified throughout the book?

4. Spiegelman decided to dehumanize the story by representing the people with animals — Germans were cats, Jewish persons were mice, Polish persons were pigs, French persons were frogs, British persons were fish, and Swedish persons were reindeer. How does Spiegelman ensure these animal representations have human characteristics?

5. For many, we know that the Holocaust consisted of disbelief and rumors of what the Nazis were doing, Jewish persons assisted the Nazis in hope of being saved, and many hid in hopes of being safe. What known facts are discussed in Maus and, as a result, provide the academic community with more proof of the horrifying, unimaginable tragedies that occurred during WWII?

6. Consider the main relationships that occur throughout the narrative — how can those relationships be reflective of each other, both in past and present?

Vladek and Anja and Vladek and Mala?
Vladek and Richieu and Vladek and Art?

7. Even in the most difficult parts of the narrative, does Vladek and the other Holocaust victims find ways to survive and hold on to hope? If yes, give examples.

8. Throughout the book, the reader experiences various story parallels — consider the health of Vladek? Is there any foreshadowing that occurs early in the narrative to suggest the outcomes for both the young and old Vladek?

9. What is the role of family in the narrative? How does the familial structure change as the War and Holocaust progress? What all do they lose?

10. What is the role of the "Prisoner on the Hell Planet"? Why do you think the author choose to include this in his father’s narrative?

11. Spiegelman includes various moments of humor throughout his graphic novel. Was the humor used appropriately? What do you think was the purpose of the humor?

12. What did you think of the role of Anja in the narrative? How does her presence in the story compare / contrast to the role of Mala?

13. How did the actions of Vladek during the War change him into the difficult and combative parent known by his son?

(Questions submitted to LitLovers by Jennifer Johnson, M.L.A., M.L.I.S., Reference Librarian, Springdale Public Library. Please feel free to use them, online or off, with attribution. Thanks.)

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