Abstract

Art Spiegelman’s graphic novel The Complete Maus comments on the heavy legacy imposed by World War II and the Holocaust upon heirs of survivors as it depicts the relationship between father and son, as well as the experiences of the Jewish father. Using narratology as a theoretical lens this essay analyzes the narrative workings in Maus. Specifically the focus is on pointing out and examining different types of narrative breaches that seem to create or enhance a sense of conflict within the narrative; these conflicts in turn affect reader sympathy. The analysis also raises questions about the portrayal of Holocaust survival and identity issues. While Maus clarifies certain aspects of the Holocaust experience, it complicates other aspects. Interaction between the past and the present is a central feature throughout the novel, both visually and textually. The narrative throws the reader back and forth between storylines, events and personal encounters as it elicits a constant interaction between the text and the reader. This interaction helps to build tension as reader sympathy shifts between characters, and possibly contributes to make readers more susceptible to themes and implied messages in Maus.