Maus: A Survivor's Tale Guilt and Blame Quotes

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

Quote #4

“God damn you! You – you murderer! How the hell could you do such a thing?” (I.6.161)

Art’s anger at Vladek’s destruction of his mother’s diaries is also sparked by some sense that Vladek contributed to Anja’s death by not being sensitive enough to her needs. But Vladek repeatedly mentions how he helped Anja survive through the years in his story.

Quote #5

“I know this is insane, but I somehow wish I had been in Auschwitz with  my parents so I could really know what they lived through! … I guess it’s some kind of guilt about having had an easier life than they did.” (II.1.6)

Art expresses here a guilt that many children of Holocaust survivors might feel.

Quote #6

“I dunno…maybe everyone has to feel guilty. Everyone! Forever!” (II.2.32)

Guilt on a collective level may not be such a bad thing, especially if it can prevent another Holocaust.