World War II and Maus by Art Spiegelman
After you read the assigned section, you need to answer the following questions
for that section in note form. Be prepared for a homework check or
a possible reading quiz each day.
My Father Bleeds History
Chapters 1-3
1. Why do you think Spiegelman used animals in his story rather than human
figures?
2. Discuss some of the early signs of problems that existed for Jews in Poland.
Chapters 4-5
1. What is your response to what happened to Vladek and Anja’s son Richieu?
2. Discuss the significance of “trust” for both Jews and Poles during this time.
Chapter 6 and Chapter 1 of And Here My Troubles Began
1. How is Vladek able to survive in difficult situations? What tactics does
he use?
2. How would you characterize the relationship Art Spiegelman has with his father Vladek? Is there a correlation between their relationship and Vladek’s past?
Chapters 2-3
1. What were “selektions” and why were they so frightening?
2. How did Vladek’s experience in Dachau differ from his life in Auschwitz? What purpose did each concentration camp appear to serve?
Chapters 4-5
1. What did the end of the war mean for Vladek? Think about the immediate circumstances
and the long-term results.
2. Why do think Vladek was able to survive relatively in tact in comparison
to millions of other Jews who died? Was it just luck?
Making Connections
The Holocaust
Outside Reading
Maps showing the numbers affected by the Holocaust
Children’s Stories
Excerpt from “We Wish to Inform You…” by Philip Garevitch
“Fighting Hate, Across Cultures and Generations” by Corey Kilgannon
Q&A: Sudan’s Darfur Conflict
“Thousands Die As the World Defines Genocide” by Jonathan Birchall
Follow-Up Essay (80 Points)
Your essay needs to be 3-5 pages (typed and double-spaced). Although you are not required to do outside research, you must include footnotes and a work-cited page for the sources you use. WARNING: I will be taking off significant points if you do not cite your sources correctly.
To help you get started, think about: