Spiegelman's Use Of Symbols In Maus 11

Throughout the depths of Maus 1 and Maus 11 the developments of the theme are conveyed through symbols found looking deeper into Spiegelman’s work. In the two graphic novels, several visual representations result in the developing texture of the intellectual, aesthetic, emotional, and thematic aspects of the books. A deep intellectual foundation is being built at the beginning of Maus 11. In Auschwitz, Anja is forced to carry a heavy can of soup as one of her responsibilities. She was extremely weak, as told by Vladek “…such cans were heavy, and for Anja-she was so small it was impossible.” (Spiegelman 53) Because the can was so incredibly heavy, she always spilt the soup and would get beaten for it. The soup symbolizes her life burdens and how she is too weak to take on the heavy depression that weighs on her. The soup spills along with her suicidal tendencies. This brings intellectual texture to the novel by putting awareness on the mental side effects that were caused by the holocaust and how damaging they truly can be. Studies have shown that holocaust survivors

When Vladek is riding his bike, it provides emotional texture to the book. He pedals while telling his story to help his heart condition. Although, he pedals faster as he goes onto explaining his experiences. Ultimately, Vladek is trying to run away from the emotions and figments of his past, but he can’t. This is shown in the text by him saying, “Well…it’s enough for today. Yes, Artie?” (Spiegelman 91). “Whoo- I overdid a little. Im feeling dizzy.” (Spiegelman 92). Both of the excerpts have visuals of Vladek bent over the bike from exhaustion. He feels this grand sense of fatigue after talking and reliving losing his father. No matter how hard he pedals, he cannot run away from his darkest memories that were caused by the difficult emotions from the