Survival in Maus Essay

A Survivors Guide

Many people died in World War II. The majority were Jews because the Nazis thought that their race did not belong in this world. However, people still managed to survive, not only due to luck, but they possessed intelligence and resourcefulness to live through this catastrophic time. In Art Spiegelmans graphic novel Maus, the author discusses how his fathers resourcefulness, knowledge and good health aided him in surviving through World War II.

One of the major reasons the authors father, Vladek, survives the war and Nazism is because of his resourcefulness. Before the war begins, Vladek has a successful factory business, which has taught him good bargaining skills. When the war starts, it becomes difficult to find food, therefore, Vladek uses his trading skills to exchange objects for any kind of food. For example, when Vladek receives cigarettes, he trades them for other necessities (1:54). He also manages to exchange a shirt for soup (2:93,94). Furthermore, this individual is a very fast learner. By observing others work, Vladek picks up numerous skills, which allow him to work in various fields in Auswitz. For example, when he begins to work as a tinmen, he was hired with no previous experience in the field, but manages to excel at his task (2:47). Moreover, by previously observing other workers fixing shoes, Vladek finds himself a position as a shoemaker. He receives food and good treatment when fixing the guards shoes (2:60,61). Therefore, Vladeks talents have greatly aided him through this rough period.

Another reason why Vladek survives the war and the Nazism is because of his knowledge. Vladek speaks many languages and also has the capability of changing his accent. This characteristic allows him to travel safely. For example, Vladek speaks polish to a trainman, which allows him to be hidden and transported safely without the Germans catching him (1:64). In addition, as Vladek boards the train, he says: Heil Hitler, which assures his safety (1:140). Vladek knows how to speak; English, French, Polish, German and Hebrew. He uses this knowledge of languages for survival. When he is captured by the Germans, Vladek communicates with them in German and does not get beat up (1:49). He also teaches English to a kapo, who spares his life (2:31) and gives him clothing and food (2:32,33). Thus, the knowledge and application of diverse languages allows Vladek to conceal his true identity and travel safely during the war.

Another reason why Vladek survives the war and the Nazism is because of his health. Good health is a key factor in survival, especially during the tough war period of starvation and disease. For example, Vladek jumps in a river to bathe in order not to get frostbite wounds (in the wounds was pus, and in the pus was lice) (1:53). Furthermore, Vladek is cramped in a train with 199 other Jews, all standing as if they are placed like matches. He avoids this crowded area by climbing onto a hooked blanket and sits on it comfortably above everyone. He also manages to eat snow from the window and trades it for food (2:85,86). Moreover, this individual controls his food consumption and saves some in case of food shortage during period of extreme famine. This method is seen when Vladek is in the infirmary with Typhus, he keeps with him an old piece of bread that he saves for later (2:96). In addition, when Vladek receives a treasure box from the Swiss Red Cross containing sardines, biscuits and chocolate, he puts it aside (2:104). Therefore, Vladek always finds a way to overcome his hunger by feeding off of the food he has saved up.

Even though Vladek is very lucky, the main factors that aid him in his survival are his resourcefulness, his knowledge of many languages and his ability to sustain good health during periods of extreme starvation and disease. He uses his bargaining skills to obtain food and excels at any job he undertakes. His ability to communicate in several languages allows Vladek to travel safely without revealing his true identity and thereby assuring his safety. Furthermore, conserving food for later times helps him conquer his hunger. By combining all these methods, Vladek manages to survive War World II.

Techniques used by author

1st Body Paragraph: The author Art Spiegelman uses the technique of tone. It is when Valdek tells Artie that he never smoke, therefore he had cigarettes to trade for food (1:54).

2nd Body Paragraph: The author Art Spiegelman uses the technique of example. It is when Vlakek does not get beat up by the Germans (1:49). Furthermore, if you knew German or was German it was a source of survival.

3rd Body Paragraph: The author Art Spiegelman uses the technique of symbolism. It is when Vladek jumps in the river to bathe (1:53). He is called crazy but is actually smart by keeping his body clean from infections and frostbite wounds.