Maus 2 Chapter 3 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Why do they eventually leave Auschwitz?

The Russians are approaching and they need to dismantle the camp, those who cannot make the march are shot.

Is this the end of their troubles?

No, many Jews are forced to march in the snow and are herded into a cattle car where many die.

What is their journey back to Germany like?

They are crowded, have no food or water, and cannot move.

How does Vladek survive the journey back?

Vladek makes a hammock out of his blanket and survives on snow from the top of the train. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Vladek make the trip to the grocery store?

He wants to return food that he cannot finish and isn't good for him for new food. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Vladek in Dachau?

He gets an infected hand from the lice and goes to the infirmary where he is treated well, eventually getting typhus from the lice. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the incident with the hitchhiker.

Francois picks up a black hitchhiker, and Vladek calls him a 'schvartser', fearing he will steal their food. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Auschwitz and March to Germany

The camp is dismantled due to the approaching Russians, forcing the Jews to leave.
Those unable to walk are executed on the spot.
The march occurs in harsh winter conditions, with many dying during transport in overcrowded cattle cars.

Train Journey Experience

Conditions on the train are dire: overcrowded, lacking food and water, little room to move.
Vladek creatively constructs a hammock from his blanket, utilizing snow as a water source.
He engages in barter with another prisoner, trading snow for sugar to sustain himself.

Grocery Store Trip

Vladek visits the store to return unused and unhealthy food in exchange for better options.
His negotiation skills reflect a survival mindset, showing a commitment to avoiding waste.

Dachau Experience

Vladek suffers an infected hand due to lice infestation but is initially treated well in the infirmary.
To avoid leaving the infirmary, he injures himself further and ultimately contracts typhus from lice.

Hitchhiker Incident

Vladek's discomfort around a black hitchhiker leads to racially charged remarks, revealing deep-seated fears and distrust.
This interaction with Francois critiques Vladek's behavior that parallels Nazi attitudes, highlighting the complexities of survival mentality.

Description

Explore the key themes and events in Chapter 3 of Maus 2, where the struggles and journeys of the characters come to light. Delve into the narrative of their escape from Auschwitz and the harsh realities they face during their return to Germany.