Although often overlooked due to their use of the comic book format, the graphic novel is a unique form of literature that can touch upon serious issues, relying on a combination of both visual components and verbal text in order to convey meaning. Graphic novels have been especially successful when it comes to helping readers understand complex ideas, social relations, and abstractions that are often too difficult to put into words. One of the most famous graphic novels to date, Maus by Art Spiegelman is exemplary of this characteristic, seeing as it sheds light on the horrors of the Holocaust, one of the most difficult historical events to conceptualize. Using the unique format of the graphic novel and the literary elements of symbolism …show more content…
Simply defined, graphic novels are full length narratives in which “graphics intertwine with texts as primary meaning-bearers” (Cromer 579). The primary use of images within graphic novels allows the reader to become fully immersed in the story, forcing the reader to acknowledge the events depicted graphically (Kincade 1) and to realize that the Holocaust carries implications that are still relevant in the modern day. For example, when Art first begins interviewing his father Vladeck for his story as a Holocaust survivor, Vladeck is doubtful, telling him that no one would ever want to hear it. In the same panel the reader is given a close up shot of Vladeck’s arm, which bears his serial number that was burned into him during the Holocaust (Spiegelman, Maus I 12). This powerful image forces the reader to confront the reality of the Holocaust and to understand that this serial number will always be with Vladeck, serving as a reminder of the Holocaust and the reality of genocide. This shows the reader that while the Holocaust may seem distant to them, it is an event that will continue to carry implications into modern day. Another example