Vladek and Mala
One very interesting dynamic in the book I find is the almost sub story of the relationship between Mala and Vladek. Before and after every story of the Holocaust happens there is always a couple pages dedicated to Vladek and Mala fighting, or one of them bad mouthing the other. Since we actually get to see both sides of the story we hear how Mala is after his money, and how Vladek treats her poorly and is cheap ( Personally I don't know who I should side with). This makes me wonder how true Vladek's story is when it comes to him parting with diamonds and gold watches during the Holocaust. Was he really able to do all of that, or is this cheap habit a by product of the war, or is it because he doesn't care about Mala as much as Anja. (which is painfully obvious he doesn't) Of course during the Holocaust parting with valuables was a matter of life or death so he probably was more willing to part with things. I like these parts as its a great contrast for Vladek, hearing him being a lucky, nice, caring husband to Anja during the war, to seeing him being 'mean' to Mala.
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I also enjoy when it strays from the main story Vladek is telling, as it enables us to learn more about him and Mala. My personal thoughts on this are that I think it's kind of sad how happy Vladek says he was when he had Anja, and how unhappy he seems now. You would think Vladek, being extremely fortunate to be alive, would come to appreciate the little things in life and be happy he has Mala to spend time with - however this doesn't seem to be the case.
I agree with Paden, especially the part about questioning how much of Vladek's story is true. The constant fighting between Vladek and Mala makes me wonder what Anja was like and how Vladek and Anja communicated with each other after the holocaust experience.
I can't help wondering if maybe Vladek really cares for Mala. However, he still feels bound by the commitment he made to Anja and perhaps some guilt at not being able to "save" her. Maybe their relationship had grown tense after Art's admittance into the state mental hospital and he feels somewhat responsible for her suicide. Whatever the reason, I can't help but suspect that the manner in which Vladek treats Anja is just a means of keeping her at a distance. Near enough that he can enjoy being around her, but far enough that he never questions his life-long commitment to Anja.
After Vladek reads the comic that Art wrote, him and Mala get in one of their usual tiffs. During which, Vladek mentions that he has a picture of Mala on the desk, in addition to the ones of Anja. Interestingly, I seem to recall, in another section where Art discusses his brother, that his parents didn't feel a need to keep Art's picture around, since he was alive (unlike his brother, hence the blurry photograph of him that persists on their walls). However, doesn't it them seem incredibly odd that Vladek would keep a picture of Mala displayed? Unless, of course, he had a special affection for her.
David Copeland
Apr 14, 2013 at 7:20 AM