Maus Chapter 1 Quiz

What activity does Artie try to do with his friends at the start of the chapter, and how does his father react?

• Roller skating; Vladek ignores him.

• Playing basketball; Vladek tells him a story.

• Roller skating; Vladek uses it as a metaphor for survival.

• Drawing comics; Vladek praises his creativity.

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CCSS.RL.1.10

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What figurative language does Vladek use to describe the idea of surviving without friends?

• “You could see what it is like to be locked in a room with no food.”

• “Life is a train wreck waiting to happen.”

• “Friendship is like a rope; it can save or strangle you.”

• “Without friends, you are like a mouse without a hole.”

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Why does Vladek insist that Artie listen to his story?

• To make him appreciate family.

• To teach him about history and survival.

• To keep him busy with a project.

• To distract him from his own problems.

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CCSS.RL.1.10

CCSS.RL.K.5

What does the term "intergenerational trauma" mean as seen in Artie’s relationship with Vladek?

• Trauma passed through family stories and behaviors.

• The effects of trauma that fade over time.

• A psychological issue caused by unrelated events.

• The burden of creating new memories.

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CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

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What is the significance of the anthropomorphic characters in *Maus*?

• They symbolize how different species survive in nature.

• They create a sense of detachment from the events.

• They highlight the power dynamics between groups.

• They make the story suitable for children.

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CCSS.RL.1.10

CCSS.RL.K.5

What does Vladek’s insistence on frugality (e.g., saving things like food or materials) reveal about his character?

• His distrust of others.

• His resilience and resourcefulness as a Holocaust survivor.

• His desire to control his environment.

• His inability to adapt to modern life.

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CCSS.RL.8.3

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How does Vladek meet Anja, his first wife?

• Through a matchmaking event.

• While working in his family’s business.

• By being introduced by a friend.

• During a trip to her town.

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CCSS.RI.11-12.9

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What role does memory play in *Maus* as a theme?

• It creates a disconnection between past and present.

• It serves as a tool to prevent history from being forgotten.

• It hinders relationships between generations.

• It forces characters to live in the past.

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CCSS.RL.1.10

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What theme is emphasized when Vladek says, "To survive, it was necessary to be clever"?

• The importance of intelligence in survival.

• The random nature of survival.

• The need for physical strength during hardships.

• The role of fate in escaping danger.

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CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

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Choose a quote or passage from Chapter 1 spoken by a character that reflects one of the following themes: intergenerational trauma, resistance, or learning from history. Write the quote and explain its significance to the story.

Model Answer:

• Quote: "I still want to draw that book about you" (p. 12).

• Explanation: This quote highlights that Artie has long wanted to write about his father's past and learn from his experiences.

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CCSS.RI.11-12.9

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