Nazi Propaganda and Maus

   



In the graphic novel Maus by Art Spiegelman, the author uses the images featured in each chapter title to resemble, in one way or another, forms of Nazi propaganda. In this Nazi poster, there are many similarities and differences apparent between it and Spiegelman’s artwork on the Chapter Two title page in volume one that convey a deeper meaning. The poster features a Nazi soldier standing in front of a large Nazi flag accompanied by what appears to be ordinary Germans standing behind him. It is important to note that the soldier is facing away from the flag, with it supporting him from behind. This represents the Nazis leading the German citizens towards the ways of Hitler’s anti-Semitism. They are the driving force of the war, with the flag being a supportive emblem of their work. The flag itself is symbolic of the concept “Death to the Jews!” with the Nazis carrying out the deed. By contrast, Spiegelman’s work shows a group of mice, which represent the Jews, facing towards the large, waving Nazi flag: they are huddled around it, thinking about their impending deaths. This shows that the Jews are inferior to the Nazis and stare their death directly in the eyes every day. The mice are much smaller than the flag, implying that the flag causes them fear, whereas in the poster the soldier is larger than the flag, showing that it makes him stronger. The cover work for Maus is drawn in black and white, illustrating the somber mood of the Jews. The poster is drawn in vibrant colors, depicting the excitement and pride the Nazis associated with their actions/their flag. These two images of the same flag showcase the two sides of the war and how each viewed the Nazi flag. The Jews’ lives revolved around this flag that symbolized their imminent futures, and how they lived their lives in black and white – constant fear and poverty. The Nazis used this flag to create feelings of nationalism and power, and because of this they lived in color – prosperous and overall better lives.

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