Maus: A Survivor's Tale Art and Culture Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Page Number). Page numbers refer to The Complete Maus.

Quote #4

“Show to me your pencil and I can explain you…such things it’s good to know exactly how was it – just in case….” (I.4.112)

Here, Vladek gets into Art’s territory, visually diagramming one of the bunkers he hid in during the war. But you have to ask, “just in case” what? The possibility of another worst-case-scenario is still on Vladek’s mind.

Quote #5

“Yes. I don’t read ever such comics, and even I am interested […] Someday you’ll be famous, like…what’s his name?” “Huh? ‘Famous like what’s-his-name?!’” “You know…the big-shot cartoonist…” “What cartoonist could you know? …Walt Disney??” “Yah! Walt Disney!” (I.5.135)

Walt Disney is, of course, the creator of one of the most iconic cartoon figures ever: Mickey Mouse. Ironic, considering that we are reading a book called Maus.

Quote #6

“At least fifteen foreign editions are coming out. I’ve gotten 4 serious offers to turn my book into a TV special or a movie.” (II.2.31)

Art resists adaptations of his work into more popular forms, and he’s ambivalent about the success of the book. The concern that he might be exploiting the Holocaust in any way is constantly on his mind.