Maus: A Survivor's Tale Memory and the Past Quotes

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

Quote #1

“It would take many books, my life, and no one wants anyway to hear such stories.” (I.1.14)

Vladek is reluctant at first to participate in Art’s project, and as the rest of the book continues, a kind of rivalry develops between them over how to tell Vladek’s and Anja’s story.

Quote #2

“But POP – It’s great material. It makes everything more REAL – more human. I want to tell YOUR story, the way it really happened.” (I.1.25)

Taking down his father’s memories and recreating them on the page may not just be a concern with artistic realism, but Art’s own attempt to connect with his father on a deeper level.

Quote #3

“… I can tell you OTHER stories, but such PRIVATE things, I don’t want you should mention.”
“Okay, okay – I promise.” (I.1.25)

This is, of course, a promise that Art breaks because we get all the “private things” in Maus.