After finishing the first book, I almost felt like I had just been captured as well, waiting to be dropped off at Auschwitz, waiting for my impending death. I've read many books and magazines, but Maus elicited a response I had never felt in a book; the feeling that I was actually there. I believe a major reason for that feeling was the pictures that accompanied the words. The pictures, many in great detail, sometimes even distracted me because I would often look at the pictures ans sometimes skip the words completely. They added a complete new dimension to reading, giving you a vivid image while you read. I was never someone who could gather this image while reading a normal book, so the pictures were a great addition for me.
Regarding the book, I liked the second half of the book much more than the initial half. The first half moved pretty slow, just talking about relationships and setting up the story. The second half went into great detail of Vladek and Anja's run from Nazi persecution. Once again, luck was on their side for many years, having great people to help hide their families and avoid detection often in broad daylight. I really liked the fact that while later in hiding, when Vladek was pretending to be Polish, he had on a Pig mask. Little details like that really added to the story. All in all, I really liked the first book.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
i would have to agree with the pig mask. It was a very creative way to show how he pretended to be something he wasn't. But it was odd at first to me when artie is in the bed with franchesca and the body is human but the head is of a mice. interesting.
I really liked how you were able to connect to the novel and I like the word choice you used in the 1st paragraph. It is so fascinating to see how big of a difference pictures can have on what your reading. Besides the dialogue, the detail and simplicity of each frame allows for a deeper sense of connection which will allow the reader the ability to be "in" the novel. Good response.
I would agree with the detail adding tremendously to the story. I think this is a major reason why Maus is so incredible. the illustrations give you a different perception, thought, and idea of what is happening. It allows you to put yourself in the place of the characters, because you can visualize it. I would also agree that the pig mask would be one of these instances. I too liked the second half better because it felt like there was even more suspense, and action. The reading flew by, because i never wanted to stop.
YEAH PAT!
oh it's true that the second half is better then the first half of book one but that's just because we are getting to the climax. The reason why we are all getting so drawn into Maus is because of what McCloud said. The less detailed the faces the more we can see in them. We can see when a character is upset or in pain. The mask part annoys me though cause i know Vladeck didn't really put on a mask just disguised his voice, but also cause like they couldn't see that it was a mask, but yes they have been really lucky. luck is a real big theme in this novel.
I also found it interesting that although Vladek and Anja both had on the pig maskes on page 136 Artie drew Anja with her mouse tail trailing behind her. This was to help illistrate the difference in their clothing, because although their faces looked the same, her clothing would have given them away.
I also found it interesting that although Vladek and Anja both had on the pig maskes on page 136 Artie drew Anja with her mouse tail trailing behind her. This was to help illistrate the difference in their clothing, because although their faces looked the same, her clothing would have given them away.
Post a Comment