Non-Fiction Critical Analysis on "Maus" by Art Spiegelman!!!

Authors always find many ways to get their points across-be it flyers, articles, or in this case: graphic novel form. There are many positives to graphic novel form. In “Maus,” Art Spiegelman uses this form very, very well.

First of all, graphic novel form is great because it makes it much more fun for readers to read. No matter how much we deny it, a part of us sighs very quietly when we are forced to sit down and read some sort of educational non-fiction article-I know I’ve done it, and I’m sure that you have too. A book with tons and tons of loud, gory, powerful pictures that really show you a glimpse of what life was like back then is much more entertaining. This is definitely one of the reasons why this book has become such a success. Everyone loves graphic novels!

Second of all, this is a spectacular form because it gives readers a more clear visual. When we read (or at least when I do…), we envision what is going on in the book almost as if there is a little television in our minds that is playing the story through our heads. Sometimes, the way we picture the characters, what they’re wearing, etc., we picture them the way we want to see them. In this form, we can ONLY see things the way Mr. Spiegelman wants us too. We are then awarded with a much clearer visual.

Lastly, this form is very important because the images that we see Pand feelings that we feel stick with us for much longer. I can’t recall pivoting points from the last non-fiction article I read, but I can clearly picture what went on in “Maus” yesterday. The images Spiegelman chooses to show us are incredible. They’re eye-popping, heart-wrenching, and incredibly compelling. Images leave a much stronger, and more lasting impression.

Overall, it is clear to see that graphic novel form is almost one hundred percent positive. The only negative I can think of is that not everyone can draw! Anyway, it is more than clear to see why “Maus” is an incredibly important book, and I think part of that credit deserves to go to the form it was written in.