6.

One of the topics we discussed in class this week was why Art Spiegelman chose to convey his message and story using comics.  Many people believe that because Spiegelman used animals for his character, he is dehumanizing the holocaust and its horrors.  I agree with this statement.  However, as Art admitted in the book, “How am I supposed to make any sense out of Auschwitz…of the Holocaust!...” (14), even he does not fully understand the holocaust and is having trouble portraying it in his work.  There is no way, through any medium, the holocaust can ever be portrayed in such a way that the audience will get the full picture of what it was like to experience it.  There are countless memorials, paintings, novels, articles, and documentaries about the holocaust.  It has been depicted in every way possible. Yet none of them show the entire picture. 

Although all of this is true, there are many ways a comic is the most effective way to tell a holocaust story.  Comics are the perfect combination of words and pictures.  Spiegelman has access to both modes of communication and blends them together flawlessly to create a story.  For example the pile of Jews on which Art’s drawing table sits would have a completely different feeling if it were described with words alone.  The pile of dead bodies represents what is going on in Art’s mind and life.  If this were explained through words alone, it would not have the same effect on the audience.  For Art Spiegelman’s purposes, a comic is the best way to show his ideas and communicate his thoughts.