We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

Maus: A Survivor's Tale Race Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Page Number). Page numbers refer to The Complete Maus.

Quote #7

“His place is overrun with stray dogs and cats. […] Can I mention this, or does it completely louse up my metaphor?” (II.2.33)

Like Quote #6, a playful poke at the limits of the animal metaphor. This isn’t the only area where a character has animal pets; the German cats use dogs to track down Jews in hiding, but according to the animal metaphor, dogs should be Americans.

Quote #8

“Zyklon B, a pesticide, dropped into hollow columns.” (II.2.61)

To the Nazis, the Jews weren’t just like vermin; they were vermin. A pesticide is used in the gas chambers.

Quote #9

“A hitch-hiker? And – oy – it’s a colored  guy, a Shvartser! Push quick the gas! […] It’s not even to compare, the Shvartsers and the Jews!”

Vladek’s own experience with racism doesn’t, unfortunately, translate into racial tolerance.