Reflections

Telling this story was challenging for both Artie and Vladek. What challenges do you think this task presented for both of them? How did these challenges manifest themselves throughout the texts? In what ways did Artie successfully overcome the challenge of telling his father's story?

Additionally, now that you have read the Maus books, what advantages do you think this medium has over other forms of testimony (oral, traditional written and visual)? What disadvantages exist?

 

Respond in 75-100 words with textual evidence to support your response. 

Memories

Memories are sometimes all that we have from an event or experience. Vladek has many memories of his life prior to coming to America. What tangible objects does Vladek still have from his life in Europe?

Looking further into Vladek;s memories, what did Vladek experience once he found out the war was over? How did he find Anja after the war?

Look beyond the text and explore...


Look at/Watch the video the Animated Map of the Liberation of the camps.

Read the page about Life After Liberation and watch the personal testimonies. How did Valdek, Anja, and other survivors describe life after the war. Cite specific details from the testimony you watch/historical footage you see.

Respond in 75-150 words with  textual evidence from MAUS and specific details from the USHMM clips.

Courage

Vladek had the courage to do "whatever it took" to survive WWII and his memories. What acts of courage do you think were the most beneficial to his survival?

As we learn in Maus, Jewish businesses were closed or damaged beyond repair during WWII. This week marks the 77th anniversary of Kristallnacht. Visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's website to learn more about the Nazi effort to destroy Jewish culture.

Listen to the testimony of eye witnesses to history. How were they courageous?

Visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's website to listen to other survivor's memories of courage.

Make connections between the stories you hear and Valdek's. Explain with textual evidence (MLA format) from MAUS and at least TWO testimonies. Place your word count after final word (HERE). Word count range 150-200 words.