MAUS
Maus The book Maus, written by Art Spieglman, can be viewed as a primary and a secondary source. There are several different reasons why these books can be considered both primary and secondary sources. The information provided by the books gives evidence of both. In this paper, you will learn why the books can be considered both primary and secondary. A primary source is the building block from which historians create and write their interpretation of history. Primary sources can include interviews with participants of historical events. Both of the books are based on the interview of a father done by a son. Although the interviews do not take place during the time period that is being explained, it can still be considered a primary source because Art’s father was personally present and is telling his son what took place. Art Spiegelman tells the story of his mother and father as they went through World War II in Europe and in concentration camps. Throughout the book the son is coming over to the father’s house, who is losing his battle with age, and interviewing his father about what happened during his time outside of America. Through the interviews, you learn that his father is a Polish Jew struggling his way through life, and trying to provide the best possible life for him and his family. Throughout the book the father, who’s name is Vladek, manages to escape many situations in which other people would be caught by either Nazi officials, or Jews who were paid to turn against there own people to better help themselves.