When we examine the characteristics of Art and his Father's relationship we see ample indications of strain in the family. Most of this strain comes from Vladek and his strange mannerisms. These behaviors and traits were things that developed as a result of the Holocaust. They are not inherent characteristics of Vladek. Rather, they are factors beyond his control; factors caused by the Holocaust.

Aspects of the relationship

• incoherence
• cleanliness
• cheapness

Vladek's mind rambles off on tangents causing a great deal of confusion for Art as he tries to keep the events in order. This is hardly Vladek's fault. In reality, this source of tension results more from old age than being a holocaust survivor. The difficulties as shown in this panel create tension that underlies all of the other conflicts.

Vladek is also compulsive about neatness, having everything in its place and keeping life organized. He hates for his checkbook balance to be off by even a few cents. This compulsiveness must have made Art's childhood very difficult. There are no indications that Vladek has gotten worse in his old age. On the contrary, he tells us he has always been this way when he reminds Art of how good Anja had been in taking care of him when she was still alive. Vladek is beyond eccentric and in fact probably has a mental condition.

The problem of Vladek's insistence on detail is further compounded by his cheapness. Art openly worries if he should dwell on his Father's excessive miserliness or if he should gloss over it so he does not perpetuate a traditional Jewish stereotype. Art decides to be honest about his Father and reveals how his frugality caused major tensions within the family. Again, imagine how difficult it would have been to be a child growing up with Vladek. There can be no doubt that Vladek shaped much of Art's life.

In fact, it is quite likely that being a cartoonist was done solely to irritate his Father by bucking the conventional norms that were expected. Vladek might have propelled Art to have a nontraditional occupation.

However, it often seems that Art is as willing as Vladek to start a controversy. There are even times when I found myself sympathizing with Vladek and angry with Art. When Vladek tries to return his food at the store, there is an element of sympathy for such a weak, sad, broken down old man. However, if we look at Vladek's relationship with Mala we see Vladek is truly the source of the conflicts and not Art.

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