Maus 2 Notes

Synopsis of Chapters

The comic takes on a different tone once Vladek dies. Art feels extremely guilty and remorseful about the way he treated his father.

A priest tells Vladek that he will survive the death cam because the numbers imprinted on his arms mark important dates in Hebrew dates.

As they continue talking about his experience, Vladek's age is taking a toll on him. Art is getting frustrated about his father's attitude toward saving money and needy nature. After Mala laves Vladek, Art and his wife try to help him get his paperwork in order.

The last scene where Vladek is alive shows him and Art sneaking into a resort so Vladek can play bingo for free.

Once they are Auschwitz, Vladek trues to find ways to barter with the guards and ends up being a tutor for a guard who wants to learn English. This opportunity helps him attain food and get a new fitting uniform for his friend.

Vladek is able to get a job as a shoe maker, a skill he was very good at when he worked with his cousin in the ghetto.

Vladek tries to save enough of his rations in exchange for Anja's transfer to another work camp. One day he finds out that his rations have been stolen so he starts to save all over again. Eventually, he has enough to barter.

When Vladek is transferred to a camp in Dachau, he says that it was more miserable than his previous camp.

Towards the end of the book, Vladek is freed from the war and must find a way to get back to Anja. The last chapter ends with the two finding each other and Vladek telling Art that he is tried of telling stories.

Final Thoughts:

I enjoyed the ending to Maus 2, I feel that Art was able to capture his father's authentic nature and his vision through this comic.

Art's attempt to understand his father was sincere and heartbreaking. By writing this book, Art is able to put together he voices of the unheard with the visions of their trauma. Overall, I feel attached to the characters and think that it is an excellent comic for anyone to read.