Language:
English
Year of publication:
1997
Titel der Quelle:
History and Memory; Studies in Representation of the Past
Angaben zur Quelle:
9,1-2 (1997) 393-408
Keywords:
Spielberg, Steven,
;
Spiegelman, Art,
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945), in literature
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945), in motion pictures
Abstract:
Deals with the issue of authenticity in representation of the Holocaust. Contends that in critical judgments on the representation of history (especially of the Holocaust) in fiction, historical knowledge, not understanding, must be the guideline. As an illustration, compares two popularizations of the Holocaust, Art Spiegelman's "Maus" and Steven Spielberg's film "Schindler's List". Discusses the differences in the closures of both narratives. Spiegelman's narrative ends with death, stressing the tragedy and interminability of the Holocaust, despite the fact that some people survived. Spielberg's plot focuses on the story of rescue and has a "happy end" (the Jewish survivors commemorate the hero), stressing the idea of redemptive justice. The model presented by "Maus" is preferable, not only because it provides a wider focus on history, but also because it allows more understanding of how the past charges the present and it avoids sinking into a morality tale.
Note:
A comparison of Steven Spielberg's film "Schindler's list" and Art Spiegelman's "Maus".
URL:
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