The novel juxtaposes two time lines: the 1980s in the USA, and Poland in the 1930s and 1940s. Spiegelman interviews Vladek from Rego Park and the Catskills in New York and later in Florida, during the 1980s. Vladek's story is revealed in flashbacks from Poland during World War II.

Vladek recounts his story from a European perspective throughout Poland during Nazi occupation. Maus contains useful maps which show the geography of Poland, sandwiched between two warring superpowers: Germany and Russia.

Task

“Maus memorialises Spiegleman's father's experience of the Holocaust - it follows his story, frame by frame, from youth and marriage in pre-war Poland to imprisonment in Auschwitz. The 'survivor's tale' that results is stark and unembellished. One of the clichés about the Holocaust is that you can't imagine it - like nuclear war, its horror outfaces the artistic imagination. Spiegleman disproves that theory.”

Develop a meaningful timeline which outlines the history of the Holocaust through the following phases:

• Rise of Nazi Party

• Nazification

• The Ghettos

• The Camps

• Resistance

• Rescue and Liberation

• Aftermath

 

Find out more about the historical context:

Rescue and Recovery Explores crimes against humanity; includes useful links.

World War II Timeline General website on WWII, featuring articles on all aspects of the war.

BBC History—World War II Interesting website featuring articles and information on all aspects of the war.

Auschwitz & Birkenau Official Holocaust website of the Auschwitz and Birkenau Memorials.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Features personal histories, exhibits, and an interactive Holocaust map.

 

 

 

http://viewpure.com/mZYgzW2fS0o?start=0&end=0

• As you watch the documentary think about and take notes on 

  • Your response 

  • The details, events, or stories that most stand out to you 

  • The themes and ideas that you recognise from Maus