Book 1 Chapter 3 Analysis (p.43-73)

General overview In this chapter, Vladek is recalling to Artie what is was like to be a Jewish Prisoner of War and the events that he went through that helped him survive. He talked about the hard ache that all the Jews had to go through, and the punishment they received just because they were not German. It tells us how much torture the Jews encountered, and how much unfairness and pain the Germans gave to the prisoners. We learn about how Vladek's father tried to do anything for his children to stay out of the war, as he had experienced it firsthand. Vladek's father would use some techniques such as pull out some of their teeth, and to make them look as sick as a dog by just giving them coffee and let them have virtually no sleep. We also see how something as small as chocolate was worth a lot in those camps. Main themes The main themes in this chapter are survival, war, journey, and the P.O.W camps. The very first theme we are confronted with is his father insisting that he eat all his food. Showing how his past experiences, such as eating whatever you are given to survive, have affected his current views. This gives an introductory insight to Vladek’s personal journey and survival during the war and in the P.O.W camps. What we learn about the main characters in this chapter: We learn that Vladek had a tough time trying to survive, and that although he went through all that pain, he was one of the lucky ones to have been able to survive and see his family in the end. You also learn how the war has shaped Vladek into being a person that is always clean and doesn't like anyone to be wasteful. We learn that although Vladek had to live in tough conditions, he tried to save and use his resources carefully so he could live another day, such as bathing in the river to stay clean and to save the food and cigarettes he relieved from his family and the food the Red Cross gave to him on the train. We also see that Vladek doesn't have the best relationship with Artie. One example that shows this is when Artie looks for his cost, and he realizes Vladek had thrown it out because he was ashamed of it. Art Spiegelman's message/what he is telling us about the main themes: Art Spiegelman is telling us that it was very hard to survive in the camps, and that although a lot of people tried to do anything to survive, the majority of them were killed. This gives the impression that luck was needed to survive as the strong and brave also died. He showed how being a Jew had a massive impact in how they were treated. For example, "The Polish prisoners get heated cabins… Yes, and we're just left to freeze in these tents" (p.55). Techniques used: Art Spiegelman uses techniques such as language choices, the way people are portrayed as animals, the lack of colour, flashbacks, perspective and sequencing of events. The author uses character impressions of other characters to give a broader understanding of the other characters such as mentioning the way his mother used to feed him. . How the techniques are affective: The techniques are affective because of the ways that they portray the message a lot clearer. It also makes the comic less graphic with the use of animals and use only black and white colours. It gives the reader a vivid picture of his experiences which brings the reader closer to the characters. Art Spiegelman’s carefully chosen words gives the reader insight into character features.