Characters
Who is the protagonist of Maus?
Art
Where does the majority of the story take place in the past and the 'present'?
Poland and Rego Park
In which chapter are Jewish people hanged for selling goods without coupons?
(Book 1 Ch 4) The Noose Tightens
What is the significance of the notebooks that Anja left behind?
Anja’s notebooks contained her own account of her experiences, but Vladek destroys them which silences her
Name three themes that we analysed.
Survival, Guilt, Intergenerational gap, Marginalisation, The past and the Responsibility of Holocaust Survivors, Relationships, Identity and Jewishness
Who hides Vladek and Anja in her home with her son?
Ms Motonowa
What happens when Vladek is drafted into the Polish army?
He shoots a tree, then is captured and transferred to a POW camp
In which chapter do Vladek and Anja arrive at Auschwitz?
(Book 2 Ch 1) Mauschwitz
How does Vladek show his own racial prejudices?
Vladek makes a racist comment about a black hitchhiker
What job does Vladek perform while hiding in Sosnowiec?
He works in the black market, trading goods such as sugar and clothes to earn money and acquire food
Who is Vladek's first bae?
Lucia
How are the Jewish people gradually marginalised in Book 1?
They are forced to close their businesses, live in ghettos and use coupons for food and basic necessities
What are the two books called?
My Father Bleeds History
And Here My Troubles Began
How does Richieu die?
He is poisoned by Tosha to avoid going to Auschwitz
Why does Vladek burn Art’s mother’s diaries?
Vladek claims he was heartbroken after Anja’s suicide and did not want to be reminded of the past
Why does Art struggle drawing Francoise?
She is French but converted to Judaism to wed Art
What illness does Vladek contract while in Dachau?
He contracts typhus
Which chapter opens with Art wearing a mouse mask?
(Book 2 Ch 2) Auschwitz (time flies)
What happens when Vladek and Anja try to escape to Hungary?
They are betrayed by smugglers, arrested by the Gestapo, and eventually deported to Auschwitz
How does Vladek reunite with Anja after the war?
After being liberated, Vladek searches for Anja and finds her in Sosnowiec, where they are reunited.
Why does Art become frustrated with his father while recording his story?
Art finds Vladek difficult to deal with because of his stubbornness, hoarding tendencies, and his complicated relationship with Mala, his second wife.
How do Anja and Valdek communicate in Auschwitz?
Vladek sends Anja notes and food
Which chapter titles directly reference the mouse symbolism used in the illustration?
(Book 1) Ch 5 Mouse holes, Ch 6 Mouse trap, (Book 2) Ch 1 Mauschwitz
How does The Complete Maus end?
The book ends with Vladek finishing his story, lying in bed, and calling Art "Richieu". The final panel shows a gravestone for Vladek and Anja
How does Vladek initially meet Anja?
Vladek meets Anja through a family introduction, and they exchange letters before he impresses her family and they get married