Chapter One - Mauschwitz Summary

Artie and Françoise discuss the graphic text and Artie ponders how he should represent Françoise. She argues for representation as a mouse but he notes that she is French. She counters that she has converted to Judaism—in any event, she is portrayed as a mouse. Vladek later telephones Artie and informs him that Mala has left him; Vladek forcefully requests that Artie come and stay with him for awhile. Artie agrees and thus he and Françoise engage on a long automobile trip. During the drive Artie complains that his father is particularly difficult and states that he does not want to go and does not want to stay long. Françoise is more sympathetic but also admits that Vladek is trying. Artie then speculates about his graphic text and worries that his...