Applying the concept of Amplification through Simplification in “Maus”

         

          “When we abstract an image through cartooning, we’re not so much eliminating details as we are focusing on specific details. By stripping down an image to it’s essential “meaning,” an artist can amplify that meaning in a way that realistic art can’t.” – (McCloud, 30)

            In Scott McCloud’s “Understanding Comics,” we begin to understand how and why we comic-readers are drawn to and identify with cartoons and comic art. The concept of “amplification through simplification,” (McCloud, 30) is an idea that I think is applicable to the graphic novel, “Maus,” by Art Spiegelman.

McCloud’s concept is that by making something such as a face (the example used in the book) very simple, the more likely we are to connect mentally with the face of that character and associate ourselves with that character. He explains this is because when while we are always aware of our own faces and expressions, we are likely to think of little more than a vague outline or a “sketchy arrangement.” (McCloud, 36) 

In “Understanding Comics,” McCloud explains that this interest in simplicity may stem from our younger years when we watched cartoons on television or animated movies. (pg. 36) I think that perhaps this influenced Spiegleman’s decision to pick such a simple and child-like style by using the cartoon mice to represent the Jewish people and the villainous-looking cats to represent the Nazis. I think that as an illustrator, he knew that such a deep-seated fascination with simplicity and the need to identify would not only draw readers into the story, but might make them even more sympathetic to the protagonists. The design has made very clear who the “good guys” and “bad guys” are.

            McCloud explains that the simpler the face the more “universal” it’s appeal is. The example of a simple smiley face is rather similar to the faces of the mice in “Maus.” The faces are simple and cartoonish as well as rather uniform (the mice all really look very much the same, even the males and females can only really be distinguished by their clothing.) There are no distinct features to make these characters look too much like anyone. Their simplicity makes them sort of a blank slate upon which we can project ourselves onto. I find myself able to relate to these characters a little more I think perhaps because of their simple style.