Maus

Why are some characters mice and some cats?

• The mice were the Germans; the cats were the Jews. This was to to show a cat and mouse parallel - the Jews were being pursued by the Germans.

• The mice were the Jews; the cats were the Germans. This was to to show a cat and mouse parallel - the Jews were being pursued by the Germans.

• The mice and cats represented the different countries involved in the Holocaust tragedy.

• Why were there no dogs?

What is the motivation for the characters?

• To escape an increasingly dangerous situation in Poland.

• To escape an increasingly dangerous situation in Germany.

• To persuade people to have more compassion for others.

• To make a statement about animal cruelty.

How can you identify the tension between the characters?

• The increased size of the text in the speech bubbles represents tension.

• The darker ink color in the speech bubbles represents tension.

• The larger border in the speech bubbles represents tension.

• Tension? What tension?

Where are Vladek and Anya taken after the Gestapo catches them on the train?

• They were taken to Russia.

• They were taken to a concentration camp.

• They were taken to prison.

• Actually, the Gestapo never caught them.

How does Vladek manage to get extra food?

• He makes a deal with the Fuhrer.

• He sells his belongings.

• He writes letters in Hebrew.

• He writes letters in German.

What does Vladek think will happen to them?

• He believes they will be reunited one day and live in peace.

• He believes they will be killed in camp.

• He believes they will have to attack their oppressors in order survive.

• He has no idea ~ it was all too overwhelming.