Maus Chapter 6: Vocabulary Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of 'caricature'?

a detailed analysis

a realistic portrayal

an exaggerated representation (correct)

a simplified explanation

What does 'pragmatic' mean?

idealistic

practical; concerned with the facts at hand (correct)

naive

theoretical

What early evidence of Vladek's carefulness with money is mentioned?

He rations his resources from the POW camp and hides the amount of money he makes from his black market deals.

What is the literary term for Artie commenting on the book he is writing within the book Maus?

Metafiction Signup and view all the answers

Why is Artie eager to write Vladek's comparison of his work to that of Walt Disney?

It shows Vladek's ineptness in Artie's sphere of knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What does Artie's impatience with Vladek suggest about their relationship?

He is more interested in Vladek's historical past than in his present life. Signup and view all the answers

What change in Janina's attitude is evident when she refuses to help the Spiegelmans?

She has become too terrified by the Nazis. Signup and view all the answers

How does Spiegelman's illustration convey Anja's struggle to hide her identity?

A long tail peeks out from Anja's coat. Signup and view all the answers

What immediate result does Vladek experience from answering a stranger in Hebrew?

He learns about a black market where he purchases luxuries. Signup and view all the answers

What would Vladek likely say if Mala or Artie were in Anja's place?

He would give a more practical explanation. Signup and view all the answers

What instance of irony follows Vladek and Anja leaving the barn?

Vladek saying 'Hail Hitler' despite the danger. Signup and view all the answers

What similarities exist between the Montonowa incidents and the ones in the barn?

Some people risk their safety to help Jews survive. Signup and view all the answers

How can Anja and Vladek travel without incident to Mrs. Motonawa's house?

Vladek pretends to be Mrs. Motonawa's husband. Signup and view all the answers

What does the incident with the schoolchildren reveal about anti-Semitism?

Children believe what their parents teach them about Jews being monsters. Signup and view all the answers

What are the conditions Miloch's family is living in?

They are in an outdoor garbage hole about 5 feet by 6 feet. Signup and view all the answers

What convinces Vladek to trust the Poles who offer to smuggle him and Anja?

A handwritten note from an old acquaintance. Signup and view all the answers

What does the sign at the entrance of Auschwitz mean?

"Work makes one free". Signup and view all the answers

What does Artie call Vladek after discovering he burned Anja's diaries?

Murderer Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Terms and Definitions

Caricature: An exaggerated representation of a person or thing, used for emphasis or satire.
Pragmatic: Focused on practical considerations and real-life situations rather than abstract ideas.

Characters and Relationships

Artie's Perception of Vladek: Artie recognizes Vladek's stinginess existed prior to the camps, as evidenced by his resource rationing in the POW camp and secretive money management during the German takeover.
Mala's Disagreement with Artie: Mala argues that not everyone from the camps is as miserly as Vladek, highlighting his unique behavior.
Artie's Professional Focus: Artie shows impatience with Vladek, focusing instead on his historic narrative over personal connection with his father.

Literary Elements

Metafiction: Spiegelman employs metafiction, allowing Artie to comment on his own book within the narrative itself.

Themes of Survival and Fear

Janina's Transformation: Janina, who previously offered help, now refuses to assist Vladek and Anja, demonstrating her fear of Nazi repercussions.
Vladek's Adaptability: Vladek tells Artie that passing as a non-Jewish Pole was easier for him than for Anja, suggesting gendered experiences of survival in hiding.
Irony in Jewish Perceptions: After Vladek warns of potential danger, he ironically praises Hitler, emphasizing the absurdity of the Nazis' ability to detect Jews compared to their own citizens.

Acts of Resistance

Community Support: Similar incidents during the Montonowa events and in the barn showcase that despite risks, some Poles help Jews survive.
Gender Roles: While crossing to Mrs. Motonowa's house, Vladek and Anja disguise their relationship with societal roles, enabling safer passage.

Child Perceptions of Anti-Semitism

Innocence and Prejudice: The incident with children highlights how anti-Semitism is indoctrinated through parental influence, revealing the cyclical nature of prejudice.

Living Conditions and Desperation

Miloch and Family's Abode: Miloch’s family survives in a cramped outdoor garbage hole, relying on decomposing waste for heat, illustrating extreme deprivation.

Trust and Betrayal

Vladek's Decision to Trust: Vladek's choice to trust the Poles for smuggling is based on receiving a reassuring note from a safe acquaintance.

Symbolism of Oppression

Auschwitz Signage: The Auschwitz entry sign stating "work makes one free" is deeply ironic; it implies freedom through labor when, in reality, it meant working to death.

Loss and Memory

Artie's Accusation Against Vladek: Artie calls Vladek a "murderer" for destroying Anja's diaries, which symbolizes the loss of Anja’s memory and voice.

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Description

Test your understanding of key vocabulary from Maus Chapter 6 with these flashcards. The terms focus on important concepts and character insights related to the narrative. Perfect for a deeper comprehension of the book's themes.