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They removed our belongings as we filed into the room. Hundreds of us nonchalantly shuffled in with death in our eyes. The cold, rainy morning had drenched us as we walked in, and we could see the devilish smirks of the authorities. As we made eye contact with them, their gaze quickly turned stone cold and they barked at us to get to our positions. It was freezing. I could hear the snarling stomachs of the less fortunate people who didn't receive rations earlier that morning. As we got to our spots, a single voice boomed throughout the venue: "Welcome to the PSAT/NMSQT administration."
Although the scenario described above is obviously an exaggeration of the actual horrors of the life or death consequences experienced by Jews during the Holocaust, it goes to show how the perspective in which a story is told can greatly determine the effectiveness of the delivery of an author's message. Art Spiegelman verbalizes and illustrates to the reader his father's story through Art's own interpretation. The distinguishing feature, however, lies in the word "interpretation". No matter how objective Art attempts makes his art, his work will be classified at most as an artist's rendition. A different artist could take Vladek's story and completely turn it around with his own interpretation, adding new elements and ridding of old ones, focusing on different aspects of the story, and using different visuals for his panels. But the point of Maus is not to create a disconnected history lesson for the reader, and that's fine. Everything included within the comic compiles under Art's attempt at making the closest representation of what his father would have wanted. Spiegelman purposely focuses on scenes like the hanging on page 83, or the emotional impact "The Prisoner on the Hell Planet" has on his father. Although perspectives will never be completely in agreement, we, as active learners, have a right - nay - almost an obligation to embrace the different point of views people have and constructively learn from each other's ideas.
Although the scenario described above is obviously an exaggeration of the actual horrors of the life or death consequences experienced by Jews during the Holocaust, it goes to show how the perspective in which a story is told can greatly determine the effectiveness of the delivery of an author's message. Art Spiegelman verbalizes and illustrates to the reader his father's story through Art's own interpretation. The distinguishing feature, however, lies in the word "interpretation". No matter how objective Art attempts makes his art, his work will be classified at most as an artist's rendition. A different artist could take Vladek's story and completely turn it around with his own interpretation, adding new elements and ridding of old ones, focusing on different aspects of the story, and using different visuals for his panels. But the point of Maus is not to create a disconnected history lesson for the reader, and that's fine. Everything included within the comic compiles under Art's attempt at making the closest representation of what his father would have wanted. Spiegelman purposely focuses on scenes like the hanging on page 83, or the emotional impact "The Prisoner on the Hell Planet" has on his father. Although perspectives will never be completely in agreement, we, as active learners, have a right - nay - almost an obligation to embrace the different point of views people have and constructively learn from each other's ideas.
Marvin, I liked how you started off this blog with an anecdote relatable to most of your readers. Your analysis on the effect perspective has on Maus's credibility was really thoughtful. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteThe anecdote at the start gave me chills and it was very effective in developing your point. And I agree it's important to consider other perspectives. Well done!
ReplyDeleteI was not expecting the outcome of what the beginning was describing; it was a great example to show how much perspective impacts perception.
ReplyDeleteWow. The story you wrote at the beginning of your blogreally blew my mind. It was an excellent way to describe your point about perspective and you did it in a creative way. Also, I loved how you transitioned the story you made into Mauz.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Brian, that opener was amazing! Also love all of the creative aspects you put into your blog, like the title and the video!
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