How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Page Number). Page numbers refer to The Complete Maus.
Quote #10
“I speak German as well as Polish – That’s why I’m a Kapo. Otherwise I’d be a nothing like you … Now the Allies are bombing the Reich. If they win this war, it will be worth something to know English.” (II.1.22)
Despite the horrible conditions, both the prisoners and the Kapos (guards who were often Polish) struggle to figure out ways to survive. Any skill can be an edge. Like this particular Kapo, Vladek also speaks multiple languages. Vladek is able to barter better conditions for the English lessons he gives the Kapo.
Quote #11
“And the fat from the burning bodies they scooped and poured again so everyone could burn better.” (II.2.62)
Just one of the many nightmarish images of brutality in the book. The human body is stripped of everything that makes it recognizably human, reduced to bones and fat. Even dead, the captive Jews are not allowed the smallest dignity.
Quote #12
“We lay on top of the other, like matches, like herrings. I pushed to a corner not to get crushed … High up I saw a few hooks to chain up maybe the animals.” (II.3.75)
Considered racially inferior, the Jews are treated like animals. This is one of many scenes where Jews are held in structures or cars that were initially built for animals.