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Theme Statement
Your values create the motivation you need to survive. -
Vladek Spiegelman Meets Anja
Vladek meets Anja through a familly member and becomes close to her. They marry each other and continue to love, and protective each other. This event shows Vladek's character development, and created a positive impact on Vladek. Anja gave him motivation to protect and see her again. His values became not only to keep himself safe but, also Anja. This relates to the theme because Anja is a new value in Vladek's life that he must protect, and she gives him the most motivation to stay alive. -
Vladek is Drafted into the Polish Army
A letter is sent to Vladek and he is separated from his family to fight in the war. During the the war, Vladek is captured by the Nazis. This event is a turning point in the story. The story's direction is changed. Vladek and his family go from living a peaceful life, to him being drafted into the beginning of war and separated from his family. When Vladek is captured by the Nazis, he came up with an excuse. He did this because he valued his life, and wanted to get back to his family. -
Vladek and Anja's Family are Relocated by the Nazis
Vladek, Anja, and her family were removed from their home and taken to a ghetto. In the ghetto, they were monitored and controlled by the Nazis. This is a turning point in the story because it's when the Nazis begin to have control over the Jews in the ghetto. The theme statement relates to this event because the Nazis began killing and taking people away, and here Vladek and his family had to value their lives. The thought of surviving gave them the motivation to last through the danger. -
Vladek and Anja Hide in Sosnowiec
After escaping from being taken to Auschwitz, Vladek and Anja find a place to hide. They are hidden by a woman named Mrs. Motonowa, though it's risky. This is positive character development because Vladek and Anja are now more aware and cautious of their surroundings. The event relates to the theme because when going out, Vladek and Anja value their safety. Their value of safety gives them motivation to return to the other with the food and supplies they need to stay safe, healthy, and alive. -
Anja and Vladek are Taken to Auschwitz
Vladek and Anja are deceived by "smugglers" and were instead taken to a camp in Auschwitz. They are separated and must try to survive without each other in the camp. This event is a turning point because Vladek and Anja must try to stay healthy and safe. They need to learn how to stay alive and on good terms rather than being killed in the camp. The theme relates to this because Vladek and Anja's values are each other. They're motivated to stay alive until they can be reunited with each other. -
Vladek Spiegelman is Spared by the Kapo
Vladek teaches the Kapo English. Vladek taught him English and was quickly favored by the Kapo, receiving tips on how to survive. This event is positive character development because Vladek is learning how to get on good terms with people and he's becoming more devious to seem useful, such as working. It relates to the theme because using his methods of getting closer to those of higher position, gives him the advantage of surviving. His value of surviving motivates him to see Anja again. -
Vladek Spiegelman is Transferred Back to Germany
After the Nazis heard the Russians were soon coming to the camp in Auschwitz, Vladek and everyone else was forced to march and take a train back to a camp in Germany. This is a turning point in the story because when they were thought to have almost been liberated, they were forced to go to another camp. The event relates to the theme because Anja was one of Vladek's values. He was motivated through the long and strainful march and train ride, hoping Anja would still be alive to see her again. -
Vladek Spiegelman is Liberated and Reunites with Anja
Vladek and the few others with him were liberated by the Americans in 1945. In 1946, Vladek went back to Sosnowiec and reunited with Anja. This event is a turning point because right before being liberated, Vladek was going to be killed, but was saved just in time. And after years of not seeing each other and not knowing whether the other was alive, Vladek and Anja reunite. The event relates to the theme because their values were each other, and it kept them motivated to reunite in the end.
