The aim of this paper is to find out the reason why animal characters are so common in graphic novels and also if there is a deeper meaning behind the concrete chosen animals. Because it would go beyond the scope of this papers purpose I will just pick the animal metaphor in Spiegelman’s work ,,Maus“ as an example, as it is best suited for this topic in my opinion.
After trying to find a definition of the medium comic at the beginning, a brief overview of the animal metaphor in literature is given. In the next step, the meaning and history of animals in comics is clarified and it is also briefly explained why comic authors decide to choose animal characters in their works that symbolically replace people.
Last but not least, the main part of this homework follows, in which the animal metaphor in Art Spiegelman’s "Maus“ is taken apart. First the reader is given a brief overview of the content of the comic, then some concrete examples from the work are given. The next one explains why Art Spiegelman exactly chose the animals that represent the different nations of the world that appear in his comic. Since the work was discussed very controversially in public, its reception is quickly discussed too. The seminar paper is rounded off with a summarizing conclusion.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Terminology
- 2.1 The medium of comics
- 2.2 The animal metaphor in literature
- 3. Animals in literature
- 3.1 About the significance and history of animals in comics
- 3.2 Why writers decide to choose them
- 4. Art Spiegelman's "Maus"
- 4.1 The animal metaphor in "Maus"
- 4.2 Concrete examples
- 4.3 Why did Spiegelman choose animals?
- 4.4 Reception in public
- 5. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore the prevalent use of animal characters in comics and literature, focusing on the deeper meaning behind the choice of specific animals. The study uses Art Spiegelman's "Maus" as a primary case study to analyze the effectiveness and implications of the animal metaphor in a graphic novel context. The research investigates the historical context of animal representation in literature and comics, examining why authors choose animals as characters and what functions these characters serve within the narrative.
- The role and function of animal metaphors in literature.
- The history and significance of animals in comics.
- Analysis of the animal metaphor in Art Spiegelman's "Maus."
- The reasons behind Spiegelman's choice of animals in "Maus."
- The public reception of "Maus" and its use of animal characters.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the central research question: Why are animal characters so common in graphic novels, and is there a deeper meaning to the specific animal choices? The author introduces Art Spiegelman's "Maus" as a key example, highlighting its unique use of animal representation to depict the Holocaust and its subsequent success. The chapter outlines the paper's structure, foreshadowing an exploration of the animal metaphor's historical and literary context, culminating in a detailed analysis of "Maus."
2. Terminology: This chapter clarifies crucial terminology, beginning with the definition of "comics." The author discusses the challenges of defining "comics" due to its diverse forms and content, citing various scholarly perspectives, including Eckart Sackmann's view of comics as a literary-artistic form of narration and Scott McCloud's definition of comics as juxtaposed pictorial and other images in a deliberate sequence. The chapter then defines the "animal metaphor" as a rhetorical device where human characters are replaced with personified animals, highlighting its pervasive presence in literature.
3. Animals in literature: This chapter explores the historical significance and prevalent use of animals in literature and comics. It traces the use of anthropomorphic animals back to Aesop's fables, emphasizing their didactic function. The chapter connects the long tradition of using animals in storytelling to the modern context of comics, noting the significant role of animal characters in Western cartoon and comic culture, exemplified by iconic figures like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. The chapter sets the stage for the analysis of "Maus" by establishing a deep context for the use of animal characters in storytelling.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Animal metaphor, comics, graphic novels, Art Spiegelman, Maus, Holocaust, literature, anthropomorphism, character representation, sequential art.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this academic paper?
The paper explores the use of animal characters in comics and literature, specifically focusing on the meaning behind the choice of particular animals. It uses Art Spiegelman's "Maus" as a primary case study to analyze the effectiveness and implications of the animal metaphor in graphic novels.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include the role and function of animal metaphors in literature, the history and significance of animals in comics, an analysis of the animal metaphor in "Maus," the reasons behind Spiegelman's choice of animals in "Maus," and the public reception of "Maus" and its use of animal characters.
What is the methodology used in this paper?
The paper uses a case study approach, focusing on Art Spiegelman's "Maus" as a prime example of the use of animal metaphors in graphic novels. It also examines the historical context of animal representation in literature and comics to provide a broader understanding of the topic.
What is the significance of Art Spiegelman's "Maus" in this study?
"Maus" serves as the central case study. The paper analyzes the animal metaphor employed in the graphic novel, exploring why Spiegelman chose specific animals to represent different groups of people and examining the impact of this choice on the narrative and its reception.
What are the chapter summaries?
The paper is structured as follows: Chapter 1 introduces the research question and "Maus" as a key example. Chapter 2 defines key terms like "comics" and "animal metaphor." Chapter 3 explores the historical use of animals in literature and comics. The remaining chapters focus specifically on "Maus," analyzing its use of the animal metaphor, Spiegelman's choices, and the public reception.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
The keywords include: Animal metaphor, comics, graphic novels, Art Spiegelman, Maus, Holocaust, literature, anthropomorphism, character representation, sequential art.
What is the overall objective of this research?
The objective is to understand the prevalent use of animal characters in comics and literature, examining the deeper meaning behind these choices and analyzing the effectiveness of this literary device, particularly in the context of Art Spiegelman's "Maus."
What is the intended audience for this paper?
The intended audience is likely academics and students interested in literature, comics studies, graphic novels, and the Holocaust. The structured and professional approach suggests a scholarly purpose.
Where can I find more information about this paper?
More information would likely be found in the full text of the academic paper itself. The provided preview offers a structured overview and key details.
- Quote paper
- Ahmet Deniz (Author), 2020, Why animals are used in literature and comics. The thought behind Art Spiegelman´s Cat-and-mouse-game, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/935389
