The Mouse Metaphor. Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse and Art Spiegelman's "Maus"

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Metaphor, anthropomorphism, and mice symbolic meaning
  • Defining metaphor and anthropomorphism
  • Mice symbolism and meaning
  • Mice as vermins
• Walt Disney Comic
  • The Anti-Semite factor
  • Mickey Mouse creation history
  • Mickey Mouse presentation in cartoons
• Comics
  • Comics features
  • Comics history
  • Graphic novel
• Art Spiegelman, the cartoonist
  • Maus graphic novel creation history
  • Mice in Maus
• Conclusion

Objectives and Key Themes

This Master's thesis examines the use of anthropomorphic mice in the graphic novel "Maus" by Art Spiegelman, and explores a potential connection to Walt Disney's creation of Mickey Mouse. It analyzes the symbolic meaning of mice, investigates potential anti-Semitic elements in Disney's work, and considers whether Spiegelman's choice of mice in "Maus" was influenced by these factors. The thesis further aims to contextualize the significance of "Maus" within the broader history of comics and graphic novels.

• Symbolic meaning of mice in literature and art
• Potential anti-Semitism in Walt Disney's work
• The impact of "Maus" on the evolution of comics and graphic novels
• The use of anthropomorphism in visual narratives
• The relationship between art and historical trauma

Chapter Summaries

• Introduction: This chapter introduces the research topic and the central thesis argument, focusing on the significance of the mouse image in the context of both Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse and Art Spiegelman's "Maus." It sets the stage for examining the potential connection between these two iconic works.
• Metaphor, Anthropomorphism, and Mice Symbolic Meaning: This chapter delves into the theoretical framework surrounding the use of metaphors and anthropomorphism in art and literature, particularly focusing on the symbolic meaning of mice. It examines the historical and cultural significance of the mouse image, exploring both positive and negative connotations.
• Walt Disney Comic: This chapter analyzes Walt Disney's creation of Mickey Mouse, exploring the historical context of its development and its impact on popular culture. It also examines potential anti-Semitic elements in Disney's work and their potential influence on Spiegelman's artistic choices.
• Comics: This chapter provides a brief overview of the history of comics, tracing its evolution from early forms to the emergence of the graphic novel. It examines the key features and characteristics of comics as a medium, setting the context for understanding the significance of "Maus."
• Art Spiegelman, the Cartoonist: This chapter focuses on Art Spiegelman's life and career as a cartoonist, examining the creation process of his graphic novel "Maus" and the significance of his choice of mice to represent Jews. It delves into the relationship between "Maus" and the Holocaust, and its exploration of historical trauma and memory.

Keywords

Key terms and concepts central to this thesis include anthropomorphism, metaphor, symbolism, anti-Semitism, comics, graphic novel, Holocaust, trauma, memory, and historical representation. The study explores the intersections between these concepts, analyzing the use of the mouse image in both Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse and Art Spiegelman's "Maus" to understand the power of visual narratives in conveying complex historical and cultural themes.