Read between the Pixels

Symbolism in literature is usually a whole bunch of words written with confusing language that all come together to metaphorically express an object or idea. Maus is a comic, though! It blends words and pictures to create pages upon pages of a mixture of ideas that ultimately form the history of the Holocaust. 

 Volume II

Symbolism in a comic can be found in the words, the pictures, or a combination of the two. Comics are truly glorious works of literature because of this magical combination. They show hidden stories within the story. Page 75 Volume One. There's a little child playing with his food and being disrespectful. If you only read the text, you would miss the tiny story within the story. Maus has repeating images or patterns all over the story. The motifs speak of ideas that resonate throughout the story. Finding them is a treasure hunt that makes the story more interesting and ring truer to the author's meaning behind the obvious story. Next time you pick up a comic, read between the pixels.