How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Page Number). Page numbers refer to The Complete Maus.
Quote #7
“But here God didn’t come. We were all on our own.” (I.1.19)
Vladek’s experiences in the camp make the old proverb that “God helps those who help themselves” seem rather trite.
Quote #8
“If the SS would see she is taking food into the camp, right away they will kill her. But always she took.” (II. 1.33)
There are numerous examples of individual acts of heroism in the text. This quote describes Mancie, a Kapo in Birkenau who helps Vladek and Anja keep in touch.
Quote #9
“It wasn’t so easy like you think. Everyone was so starving and frightened, and tired they couldn’t believe even what’s in front of their lives.” (II.2.63)
Vladek explains why overt resistance seemed impossible to the Jewish prisoners. Constantly living in fear, starving, exhausted, with the spectacle of other prisoners being randomly beaten or killed around them, they were in an exceptional situation that nothing in their previous lives could have prepared them for.