"Maus" - Lesson 1

As you read, you should consider the following questions in relation to the metaphor on which the book is based.

How useful is the "cat and mouse" metaphor in Maus? 

1. How apt is the metaphor? Does it extend beyond the one-dimensional suggestion of a cat-and-mouse chase or cats toying with their prey? In what other ways might it be considered appropriate?
2. Some have suggested that Spiegelman's point is that humans are "nothing but animals." Do you agree? Why or why not?

Now consider how you might use a similar metaphor to construct a story board. Choose two groups who are engaged in a conflict of some kind and tell the story of an episode in their conflict using animals to represent the two sides.

You might choose to base your story board around two sporting teams or around two groups in a school, such as the popular group and the sporty group. It's up to you to choose your groups and then decide on the animals you will use to represent them.

In constructing your story board, consider the following elements in each frame:

·         What shot will you use?

·         What angle will you use?

·         What element of the story is told?

·         Which characters are included?

·         Will you include the narrative voice?

·         What dialogue will you include?

 You should be able to articulate the reasons for your choice.

Post your answers to the questions on your blog and be ready to present your story board in class. You may work in pairs to create your story board.

Read to the end of Chapter 2 for homework.