Name______________________

Date______________/Class_____
Maus I – Reading Guide Chapter 4
1. At the start of the chapter, what two things do Art and his father, Vladek, argue
about? What does this reveal about Vladek’s character and their father-son
relationship?

2. Draw a diagram showing the 12 people living in Anja’s parents’ house.

3. What is happening page 80? On this page, Vladek is framed by a panel shaped like a
Jewish star. How does this device express his situation at that moment?

4. Describe the ghetto Vladek’s family moves into. What did it look like, what was
difficult about living there, and how did they survive?
5. Analyze the “Reward” poster on page 82 in the 3 rd strip. What does this suggest
about the resources in Poland and what happened to many Jews as a result?

6. The Nazis eventually pick up Anja’s grandparents. How did the Nazis disguise their
intentions? Where do the grandparents ultimately go?

7. On page 87, Vladek describes the Jewish police. Why would some Jews work with
the Nazis? Would you have done the same if given the opportunity and you thought
your family would be saved?

8. Create a truthful “poster” that explains exactly how the Jews are being divided at the
stadium on pages 90-91, and what is likely to happen to them afterwards.
9. Review Chapter 4. Describe 3 instances in which Vladek narrowly escapes
capture.
How did he escape capture and was he
Event that created a conflict for Vladek.
smart or just lucky?

10. Although Jews were allowed only limited rations under the Nazi occupation, Vladek
manages to circumvent these restrictions for a while. Sketch a panel showing one of the
ways Vladek supports himself and his family.

Name__________________
 Date___________/Class___
Homework
Maus – Chapter 4
Answer either question 1 or 2 and question 3.
1. When Art returns to his father’s house, they argue about money. Specifically, they argue about
why Vladek would rather risk his health than pay a handyman. Later, as the chapter ends, Mala
says, “He is more attached to things than to people.”

Knowing how close to death he came at various times, why do you think he values money over
his health and happiness?

2. Explain what Anja’s brother-in-law Wolfe means when he tells Vladek, “With money you can
always get anything.” Do you agree or disagree with his statement? Explain using examples or
personal experience.

3. Watch the power point found at http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-surprising-facts-about-poland-

during-wwii.php

Which two facts about Poland did you find most interesting? Explain why.