Saturday, August 23, 2014

Question Commander - Maus

Week #1 - Maus
Sophia Takahashi


Maus
Rotation #1
Pages 5 - 71
Question Commander

Picture of Czestochowa in Poland, where Vladek lives.

Question #1: Do you think that making Maus a graphic novel suitable for the storyline? Would the story fit in any other way? 

In my perspective, I think Art Speigelmen chose correctly, since sometimes we do need a visual aid to keep up and understand the storyline. Since MAUS talks about a tragic time for human kind. MAUS helps the story seem more 'relaxed', instead of hitting directly to the cold, dark facts. It gives the story of the victims perspective being a victim in the war and a jew. Yes, the story would fit in other ways, but would have been more descriptive and non-fiction.

Question #2: Do you think by the author/artist using animals to replace humans made it easier for us students to comprehend?

I think it makes it easier to identify the characters. You know who's a jew and who polish. You know who is German, and it makes the story easier to understand. You know why the mice are outside and why the Polish are inside the cabins on Page 53. 

Polish Jews being Gathered by German Soldiers.

Question #3: Do you think that Vladek and Artie will have a better relationship as the story goes on and Artie comes back to hear Vladek's story? 

After understanding Vladek's story a little more, I think Artie will form a wider bond with Vladek, since he will understand how tough life was during World War 2; being a jew and all. He will have empathy for his father and hopefully both of them will both understand each other better.

4 comments:

  1. I agree with you Sophia. The story it self about World War 2 is very dark and horrifying. The author made a good choice on making Maus to a graphic novel, this benefits the reader to understand the book and the theme better. I also agree that with Artie understanding more about Valdek, they will have a better understanding of each other.

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  2. Sophia,
    I definitely agree with you, I think one of the things that makes this book so special is having it be a graphic novel. It doesn't only make it more interesting and entertaining for the reader to read, but it also teaches you things with images. As some people say, a picture is worth more than a thousand words.
    Great job!
    Martu

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  3. I agree, since by making this a graphic novel it gives it an 'entertaining' side to this horrific story. You see how he tells a story by using the format of a 'comic book'.

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    1. You have a good point, however, to add on, I believe it does much more thatn show the entertaining side. I believe that since this is such a complex topic, it makes it easier to under stand. Also with a very serious topic, it makes it easier to understand the story.

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