Scribd
Upload
126 views

Maus Reading Guide 5 FF - Characterization1

The chapter summarizes Vladek's experiences during World War 2 when he was forced into hiding from the Nazis. It describes how his family was twice betrayed by other Jews who informed on their locations. It also tells how Vladek's son Richieu was killed after being sent into hiding with a woman who poisoned herself and the children rather than let them be taken by the Nazis. The chapter provides insight into Vladek's character, showing him to be generous but also insisting his son Artie learn survival skills in case of another catastrophic event like the Holocaust.

Uploaded by

MOISES DEANDA
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
126 views

Maus Reading Guide 5 FF - Characterization1

The chapter summarizes Vladek's experiences during World War 2 when he was forced into hiding from the Nazis. It describes how his family was twice betrayed by other Jews who informed on their locations. It also tells how Vladek's son Richieu was killed after being sent into hiding with a woman who poisoned herself and the children rather than let them be taken by the Nazis. The chapter provides insight into Vladek's character, showing him to be generous but also insisting his son Artie learn survival skills in case of another catastrophic event like the Holocaust.

Uploaded by

MOISES DEANDA
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Maus

Reading Guide Chapter 5


Directions: Complete the following questions as you read the novel.

Chapter 5: Mouse Holes

Helpful Vocabulary:
 liquidate – to put an end to; to abolish (also: to kill)
 neurotic – overanxious; panicky
 “Juden Raus!” – German for “Jews, out!”
 meshuga – Yiddish slang for “crazy; senseless” nu– Yiddish for “so” or “obviously”
 oi [oy]– Yiddish for “oh!” or “My God!”

1. Why is Artie reluctant to use tools or fix things around the house?
Vladek liked showing off how handy and smart he was, and proving that anything Artie did was wrong.
Therefore , Artie became very neurotic about fixing stuff.

2. What costume does Art portray himself in in Prisoner on the Hell Planet?
a jailed prisoner.

3. Although Mala mentions that Vladek has read Prisoner on the Hell Planet, it was not necessary for
Spiegelman to include a reprint of this early comic in the middle of Maus. Why do you think he chose
to do so?
It gives a sense of how tragic Anja's suicide and reading Arts comic must have been to Vladek. It also tells us
about Art's difficulties dealing with his mom's suicide.

4. Why does Anja agree to let Persis take Richieu into hiding after so forcefully rejecting Ilzecki’s offer to
do so before?
The situation is so bad that she sadly doesn't have a choice so she has to send him anyway.

5. How is Richieu killed?


He is killed peacefully by the woman hiding him. She’d rather poison herself along with him and his cousins
rather then allow the Germans to take them to the gas chambers.

6. In describing his bunker in Srodula, Vladek says to Artie, “Show to me your pencil and I can explain
you…such things it’s good to know exactly how was it—just in case.” (Pg. 110) How does this comment
help us understand why Vladek may have insisted that Artie learn to use tools the same way Vladek
does?
Maybe Vladek still believes that an event something like the Holocaust is going to happen again and he wants
Artie to be ready to survive it.

7. How are Vladek and his family twice betrayed by fellow Jews in this chapter?
They help a Jewish stranger who later snitches about their hideout location to the nazi's. Haskel, Vladeks
cousin, takes the Zylberbergs jewels but lets the couple be taken by the Nazi's rather than saving them.

8. How does Spiegelman represent the quavering in Vladek’s voice when Vladek’s heart begins to bother
him?
He draws his works curvy crooked lines.

9. Avram and his girlfriend, who are sharing Vladek’s bunker, offer to pay Vladek two watches and “some
diamond rings” for his advice on what their next move should be. (Pg. 124) Vladek tells Artie, “I didn’t
want to take. They needed these to live. So I took only the small watch.” (Pg. 124) What two things
does Vladek’s comment tell us about his character?
He is nice and generous , but now selfless since he steals a watch from them.

10. Do you think Vladek’s comments about Mala, his present wife, wanting all his money and valuables are
correct?
I do think that the comments about Mala are true.

Characterization Review:

Identify the category of STEAL each piece of evidence/quote


falls into for the character indicated. How does this
characterize the character.

EXAMPLE:
Character Evidence/ Quote S.T.E.A.L Category
Anja In the book on page 33, Spiegelman has Anja drawn with Looks
shadows under her eyes and with her head hanging over the
edge of the couch.
Explanation: This drawing of Anja characterizes Anja as sickly or emotionally unwell.
Character Evidence/ Quote S.T.E.A.L Category
Vladek Vladek attempts to make Artie feel guilty by saying, “At least somebody Speech
will help me!” (99).
Explanation: Vladek is not getting any to little help

Mala Vladek has pictures on his desk of Anja and tells Mala he has a picture Speech
of her too, but Mala says, “Don’t do me any favors!” (106).
Explanation: mala is getting fed up or annoyed

Nazis Vladek tells Artie the Germans, “swinged them by the legs against a Actions
wall” (110).
Explanation:they got pushed or shoved into the wall aggressively

You might also like