This thesis contributes to a comprehensive exploration of the anthropomorphic mouse image in Art Spiegelman's graphic novel "Maus" as a reaction to Walt Disney's iconic Mickey Mouse. The discussion delves into the potential motivations and ideologies behind both characters, including Disney's hidden anti-Semitic tendencies. The thesis aims to scrutinize the intentions of these cartoonists and the historical context in which their creations emerged.
It employs a comparative approach, examining early sketches and illustrations, and utilizes primary sources, such as "Maus" and MetaMaus, as well as audio materials like interviews with Art Spiegelman. The structure of the thesis comprises chapters dedicated to the cultural significance of the mouse metaphor, Walt Disney's biography, the history of comics, Art Spiegelman's background and intentions, and concludes with a synthesis of research findings and hypothesis evaluation. This study seeks to shed light on the complex relationship between these two mouse images and their cultural implications.
In this thesis, I am attempting to enter a discussion regarding the anthropomorphic protagonist image in Art Spiegelman’s graphic novel "Maus" as a reaction to Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse. For these purposes, I will examine the mouse image of Art Spiegelman along with Walt Disney’s mouse. Answering gradually the following questions: What leaded Walt Disney to use an image of a mouse to create Mickey Mouse cartoon? Did Walt Disney had any hidden ideology behind this specific character? What contributed to the presence of an anti-semitic factor in Disney's biography? Could Art Spiegelman’s representation in "Maus" graphic novel be considered as a mirror reaction towards Walt Disney’s depiction? What were the intentions of the cartoonists? I will also provide an overview of the history of the comics, in order to specify Art Spiegelman's background as the cartoonist of a comics medium.
Before entering the discussion some preparatory work is necessary to observe, along with the critical materials and methodology which are applied for this dissertation. The methods used for this thesis requires close reading of the "Maus" and MetaMaus10, which are the primary sources for the chapter concerning Art Spiegelman. The examination of the audio material, such as interview collections with Art Spiegelman provides additional information regarding the creation of the graphic novel "Maus" and the cartoonist’s biographical aspect.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1.Metaphor, anthropomorphism, and mice symbolic meaning
1.1 Defining metaphor and anthropomorphism
1.2 Mice — symbolism and meaning
1.3 Mice as vermins
2. Walt Disney Comic
2.1 The Anti-Semite factor
2.2 Mickey Mouse creation history
2.3 Mickey Mouse presentation in cartoons
3. Comics
3.1 Comics features
3.2 Comics history
3.3 Graphic novel
4. Art Spiegelman, the cartoonist
4.1 Maus graphic novel creation history
4.2 Mice in Maus
5.Conclusion
Objectives and Thematic Focus
This thesis examines the use of anthropomorphic mouse protagonists in Art Spiegelman’s "Maus" as a potential reaction to the Mickey Mouse image created by Walt Disney, while providing a comprehensive overview of the history of comics and the definition of the graphic novel medium.
- Comparative analysis of anthropomorphic mouse imagery in Art Spiegelman's and Walt Disney's works.
- Investigation into the historical context and alleged antisemitic tendencies of Walt Disney.
- Exploration of the evolution of comic books and the development of the graphic novel as an art form.
- Detailed study of the creation and symbolic significance of Art Spiegelman's "Maus".
- Evaluation of the role of human-animal metaphors in literature, culture, and propaganda.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Defining metaphor and anthropomorphism
The use of metaphor and its application is aimed to cause the connection between the person and a certain object or an image with concrete associations. According to the Cambridge dictionary explanation, metaphor defined as follows,
An expression, often found in literature, that describes a person or object by referring to something that is considered to have similar characteristics to that person or object.11
In other words, with the help of metaphor one may emphasize the importance of a context and create an image with the additional meaning and vision for the reader, observer or for the listener. The associative form can be presented obviously or implicitly.
In a cultural and literary traditions, an animal metaphor is one of the most recognizable. The connection between humans and animals has always been extremely significant, especially during the early stages of human evolution, when people and animals coexisted together in a natural environment. There is evidence known from the ancient time, where an animal metaphor served to reflect the relationship between humans and the surrounding world. Therefore in many ways, an animal metaphor was used by different nations as an inseparable part of their ethnos.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the scope of the thesis, examining the anthropomorphic mice in Art Spiegelman's and Walt Disney's works and defining the analytical methods used.
1.Metaphor, anthropomorphism, and mice symbolic meaning: Explores the linguistic and cultural functions of animal metaphors and defines the term anthropomorphism in literature.
2. Walt Disney Comic: Investigates the biography of Walt Disney, his cartoon creation process, and addresses debates surrounding his alleged anti-Semitic views.
3. Comics: Covers the basic elements, structural features, and historical developmental stages of comics, eventually distinguishing them from the graphic novel format.
4. Art Spiegelman, the cartoonist: Provides biographical context for Art Spiegelman and details the creation process and narrative significance of his graphic novel "Maus".
5.Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, concluding that while Disney's work may have served as an indirect impulse, Spiegelman's primary motivation for the mouse imagery stems from historical and personal reflections on the Holocaust.
Keywords
Art Spiegelman, Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse, Maus, Comics, Graphic Novel, Anthropomorphism, Animal Metaphor, Holocaust, Nazi Propaganda, Antisemitism, Underground Comix, Sequential Art, Illustration, Cartoonist
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this thesis?
The thesis explores the symbolic use of mice as anthropomorphic characters in Art Spiegelman’s "Maus" and Walt Disney's "Mickey Mouse," investigating the potential link between the two artists.
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
It covers animation history, the evolution of the comic book industry, literary symbolism, the role of animal metaphors, and Holocaust representation in art.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to determine if Art Spiegelman’s representation of mice in "Maus" was a conscious mirror reaction or response to Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse imagery and underlying historical perceptions.
Which methodology is employed in the work?
The work utilizes a comparative approach, combining visual analysis of early cartoons and graphic illustrations with literary review and historical research into the cartoonists' backgrounds.
What does the main body focus on?
The body chapters focus on distinguishing between metaphor and anthropomorphism, reviewing the biography and controversial political stances attributed to Walt Disney, defining the specific traits of the comics medium, and analyzing Spiegelman’s creative history.
Which keywords best describe this research?
Key terms include Art Spiegelman, Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse, Maus, graphic novel, comics, anthropomorphism, and Holocaust testimony.
How does the work explain the "Anti-Semite factor" in Disney's biography?
The thesis reviews contradictory reports, including testimonies from former employees and FBI materials, to contextualize why Disney was often associated with antisemitic and fascist ideologies during the 1930s and 40s.
Why does the research emphasize the definition of a "Graphic Novel"?
It distinguishes "Maus" from traditional superhero comic books, arguing that the graphic novel format allowed Spiegelman to provide a more serious, personal, and complex exploration of traumatic historical events.
- Citar trabajo
- Elena Andreya Bel (Autor), 2019, The Mouse Metaphor. Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse and Art Spiegelman's "Maus", Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1397817
