Maus II has been a very interesting read thus far.
Structurally speaking, it's well designed because although the story does contain some intense material, it is punctuated with Vladek "now."
Vladek "now" is a completely different person from Vladek "then," and it's neat to see how Vladek has changed over the course of time. We can see differences over the years, but the gradual character development is more subtle. For example, young Vladek uses the nasty situation as a networking opportunity to aid his survival. He meets all the right people, working in good conditions teaching English, fixing shoes, and working on roofs. As a result, he is paid in food and praise. He gets bread and sausage, extra soup... and as a hoarder, he always has and uses resources. Vladek charms some young women with chocolate from the Red Cross care packages. On the crowded train, he hooks a blanket to the ceiling which ultimately saves his life. He trades a gold watch, and even knows the trading equation of available goods.
One portion of bread equals three cigarettes; two hundred cigarettes equals one bottle of vodka. To get his wife transfered into a specific area, it will cost at least a bottle of vodka; and Vladek DOES achieve the transfer! He's a Holocaust hero!
Present-day Vladek saves EVERYTHING. He makes reference to a tea bag drying from this morning. He has a near-empty box of cereal he himself cannot consume due to his diet. There's an entire scene in which Vladek fulfills the "Jewish mother" stereotype. He says, Artie, Francoise, how about some cereal?
-No, thanks, pop, I'm not hungry.
-Francoise?
-No thanks.
-It's okay, I'll pack it up to go for you.
-DAD! We don't WANT it!
-How about some of this fruit cake?
-We're not hungry!
-Ok, honey, I'll pack it with the cereal!
The whole forcefeeding thing honestly roots from Jewish moms trying to fatten their daughters up for Jewish men to make sure they have plenty of nutrients and calories to raise A BUNCH OF JEWISH BABIES.
All the Jewish holidays eventually end in eating, drinking, and introducing relatives to friends. Yentl, meet Efrayim. Did you have enough wine? Yes? Well, have some more anyway. Then you can get together and MAKE JEWISH BABIES.
Are we seeing a theme here?
I've noticed that on how Vladek changed once you mentioned it. One can wonder if it's because of his past that he acts in that manner. I'm guessing that he acts that way if they "ever need it." I mean to say that it's like Vladek doesn't want Artie to be without what Vladek had been deprived of during the Holocaust- basic things for survival, including food.
ReplyDeleteThat's a pretty interesting observation. And funny. I think Art is too hard on his dad. He gets frustrated too easily. I understand his dad can be annoying and too pushy but really I think he needs to be more patient with his dad because his experiences have made him the way he is, as you have compared the old and new Vladek.
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