Maus: Part II

The main character of Maus is Valdek Spiegelman, Art Spiegelman's father. His story of his experiences during World War II and The Holocaust is the inspiration for the book that Art is writing. Vladek is depicted as a stubborn stereotypical "grumpy old man". Much of his stubbornness that he exhibits is probably a result of his past struggles. Although he is an aging veteran, he seems to remember a great deal of The Holocaust. As the book goes back and forth in between the past and the present, Vladek's opinions and views don't seem have a significant change. He is also a very hard working and loyal man as he is shown to go to great lengths in order make money and provide for his family in the most desperate of times. His relationship with his current wife, Mala, is very dysfunctional. He constantly criticizes her and makes her feel inferior to his first wife, Anja. His relationship with Art is a typical father-and-son relationship as Vladek is always giving advice and sharing his opinion even if Art isn't asking for it.