Lesson 6

Maus Lesson 6

Chapter Four – The Noose Tightens

·         Consider the title page of this chapter. How is the reader positioned by the combination of the visual image and the use of figurative language in the title?

This is a metaphor to explain the times are getting harder and there is no escaping it now. The image shows actually nooses around the Jews necks’ and it suggests that they are going through pain.

      ·         Explain what happens to the furniture on page 81.

They thought that they could sell the furniture to the Nazis but the Nazis just took the furniture without paying so Vladek’s father in law was not happy.

      ·         Re-visit pages 82 and 83. The last frame on each page is interesting. Note the perspective on page 82 and discuss it significance. Why do you think the author used three separate but unframed pictures on page 83?

The author separated the so he looks like he is moving and not just pictures. It also draws attention that it’s back to the present and Vladek is telling the story.

      ·         Discuss the powerful nature of the central frame on page 85. How is the reader positioned to respond?

The reader is horrified and shocked to think that this really happened and this is a true story of a man who went through this. It also fits in with the image at the start of the chapter explaining that the noose has tightened.

      ·         What effect does the telling of this story have on Vladek on page 93?

It ties back in with the frames from pg. 83 and it again takes us back to the present. Vladek looks weakened and tired but not only physically, it looks like telling the story is painful and that’s why he tells Artie to stop for the day.