1. Metaphorical Representation: Animals serve as a metaphorical representation of the human characters and their experiences during the Holocaust. By depicting Jewish characters as mice and Nazis as cats, Spiegelman creates a powerful allegory of the predator-prey relationship and the vulnerability of the Jewish community during the genocide.
2. Universality: The use of animals allows the story to transcend specific cultural or religious contexts. By choosing animals as characters, Spiegelman presents the events in Maus as a universal tale about oppression, discrimination, and the struggle for survival, making it relatable to a broader audience.
3. Empathy and Dehumanization: Portraying humans as animals can generate empathy in readers while also highlighting the Nazis' dehumanizing treatment of Jewish people. The animalistic representation emphasizes the violation of human dignity during the Holocaust and challenges readers to confront the realities of genocide.
4. Artistic Choice and Symbolism: As a graphic novelist, Spiegelman uses the visual representation of animals to create a symbolic and artistic commentary on the events of the Holocaust. The animal imagery adds a layer of visual metaphor and symbolism, allowing readers to interpret and reflect on the deeper meanings and themes of the story.
5. Distance and Perspective: Using animals as characters creates a degree of psychological distance between readers and the characters, preventing them from becoming emotionally overwhelmed. This distance allows readers to process and reflect on the horrors of the Holocaust while retaining a sense of critical engagement with the narrative.
6. Historical Context: The animals chosen in Maus are not arbitrary. Mice are often associated with vulnerability and persecution throughout history. Cats, on the other hand, represent the predatory nature of the Nazi regime. This symbolism resonates with the historical experiences of Jewish people during the Holocaust.
By employing animal characters, Art Spiegelman offers a unique perspective on the Holocaust and encourages readers to contemplate the broader implications of discrimination, intolerance, and the fight for human rights.