Same but Different

With Art Spiegelman, there doesn't seem to be an end to his literary depth apparent in Maus. As seen in the chapter two title page of volume 1 of Maus, the author makes use of a massive Nazi swastika flag waving above the heads of several mice. Similarly, a piece of Nazi propaganda shown on the right juxtaposes a massive Nazi swastika flag next to a proud, strong, good-postured Nazi soldier looking forward and upward. Although these flags are physically the same thing, they symbolize very opposite meanings between the first and second image. In Maus, the flag is shown as a symbol of impending doom, foreshadowing the coming hardships of the Holocaust for the Jews (mice). In contrast, the second image's flag doesn't share that evil, dark connotation, but rather sensationalizes pride, hope, and honor for Nazi Germany. Bright colors as well as a shining source of light are apparent instead of black and grey enveloping the totality of the title page. What this complete difference in meanings between two images of the same flag tells us about Hitler's Germany is that the Holocaust had very different outcomes depending on which side one stood on. For the Germans and those of the "superior Aryan race", life was drastically better in every imaginable way relative to the life threatening, on edge experience the Jews had to constantly live. Because of this social schism between the two groups, the flag has completely different meanings and can evoke completely polar reactions. Art, by including this picture to sympathize with the feeling of dread all mice (Jews) felt, therefore shows his understanding and ability to control images for his intended message about the hardships during Nazi Germany.

Comments

  1. UnknownOctober 22, 2017 at 2:26 PM

    I agree with your analysis that the swastika connotes differing meanings between the propaganda and chapter title. I also like your comparison between the use of color and social status. The colors in the propaganda give a brighter feel and the support of Nazis a more positive outlook. Great job, look forward to reading your next posts!

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  2. UnknownOctober 22, 2017 at 3:10 PM

    Hey, Marvin! I think you analysis of Spiegelman's use of the flag is very well thought out. I like how you took notice of even the small details in the Nazi propaganda, such as how the soldier was standing straight, head looking forwards. These seemingly minuscule factors all affect the feeling given off by the image, and make the propaganda a symbol of confidence rather than fear.

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  3. UnknownOctober 22, 2017 at 3:23 PM

    Great post! I really like how you analyzed the flag and stated the different meanings it conveyed to different people. Also, I like how you mentioned the color schemes. The bright colors of the Nazi propaganda do make it all seem positive.

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