Arron Davis this discussion of perspectives, author's, character's and reader's, is an excellent overview of themes often found in American Literature. It can be seen in books not read in this class like Snow Falling on Cedars and A Farewell to Arms. In all of these books, the perspective from which the story is being told, the reader's history and knowledge of the story, and the author's connection to the story all come through in the writing of it.

Michael-Joseph Mercanti-Anthony: this paper gives a good discussion of many of the over arching themes in Maus. His discussion of Vladek's personality, The Two Vladek's, seems slightly off the mark to me, but overall, his observations are good. I believe that Vladek's personality was well set before the Nazis became an issue. It is noticable in the scenes where Vladek speaks of his business, especially once he takes ownership of the factory. It is because of this personality, which happens to fall into the stereotype of a Jewish man, that Vladek is able to survive the hell through which he and his family are sent.

Antonio Oliver:Antonio gives an overview of the difficulties that are faced by second generation survivors. This page is dedicated to MAUS as well, but the discussion here can be seen in a similar light to the Nagasaki narratives. These stories are of similar oppression and hatred aimed toward a specific group of individuals. The major difference between Nagasaki and the Holocaust is the length of time which the people were exposed to the torture. The horrific memories of these survivors is testimony to the need for discussion among first, second and even later generations.