MAUS

After reading Art Spiegelman's "MAUS" this week, I realized that graphic novels can portray knowledge just as effectively as traditional fiction books. In fact, Maus had a lot of clever diction and wordplay compared to other fictional novels I've read in the past. "MAUS" is more than just a book; it's an exploration of the devastating experiences Jews faced during the Holocaust. Not only this, It also explores the effects of the Holocaust after the war ended, and how influenced the following generations. Reading Maus reminded me of my childhood, and made me realize that Graphic novels are just as good as traditional novels that are considered more "knowledgeable". 

    Expanding on that, throughout "MAUS," generational trauma is a recurring and central theme.  We see the war still influencing Vladek, as it comes in the way of his relationship with his son, Arty. This is mainly because of the psychological damage Valadek has due to his time in the concentration camps, scarring him for life. This representation highlights the intricacy of trauma inheritance and its significant impact on family dynamics. The flashbacks Vladek has as he is explaining to his son give the story structure and let readers move back and forth from the present to the past, giving proper historical context Along with this, the flashbacks to his experiences in the Holocaust reflect on how he experiences life in the present. These changes in time improve the narrative by providing a more complex understanding of how old traumas reverberate over time.