Comparing Maus II: A Survivor's Tale And Here My Troubles

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Optimism vs. Pessimism “Hope is necessary in every condition. The miseries of poverty, sickness, of captivity, would, without this comfort, be insupportable (Samuel Johnson).” Maus II: a Survivor’s Tale: and Here My Troubles Began presents the struggle of being capable to find hope, which enables the characters to survive the dreadful conditions experienced in the Holocaust. Throughout the book Maus II by Art Speigelman, the trials and problems of Vladek and his companions during World War II in Nazi Germany gives the reader a sense of uneasiness and dread as the characters are sent one by one to concentration camps. Although several themes are portrayed during the two-volume collection, Art Seligman’s emphasis and his attitude towards hope is evident during the whole series, “that is survival is not achieved…show more content…
Additionally, Vladek often found meticulous jobs in the camps in return for food and supplies for his admirable talent; even if it was for the Nazis. For instance, after Vladek taught the Guards English, he was allowed to choose whatever supplies he considered necessary, and was presented with an enormous amount of food; on these special occasions it would allow Vladek to regain hope in his survival. Word spread fast about Vladek’s “talent” that even the Gestapo, who sought to have their boots repaired, approached Vladek. Although Vladek was not a skilled in the arts of shoemaking, he was capable to exchange a ration of bread to have an experienced shoemaker fix the boot, who gladly announced to Vladek that “for a day's ration of bread I can fix anything!” (Pg.61). Returning with a perfectly sown boot to the Gestapo, Vladek was rewarded with a whole sausage for his exceptional work. Food was everything in the camps; it was the key for surviving, but it would also serve as moral encouragement in reviving his

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