Memory

Many novels have various themes relating to memory and Maus and 1984 are two of them. In both novels, however, memory is represented in different ways, most notably as an abstract concept in 1984 and a concrete item in Maus. This difference allows each novel to fufill a different purpose. The fact that Winston Smith wasn't aware "Where that knowledge existed" (Orwell, 18) mirrors Orwell's warning to the public about technology: although technology didn't at that time allow for such propaganda to influence the public, it could quickly become possible. By reinforcing the idea that memory is actually abstract, Orwell convincingly conveys the message that the minds of humans are easily malleable by abstract methods.

Memory in Maus serves a different purpose. In Maus, memory is most often shown as concrete, taking the form of photos, numbers, and even the comic itself. The concreteness of memory in Maus, opposite to 1984, acts to create verisimilitude in order to emphasis the very real physical and emotional after effects of the Holocaust. When memory is displayed in the form of physical objects such as pictures, these memories are permanent, unable to be easily wiped from the mind. Vladek, for some reason, has a photo of himself in a prisoner suit "still now in my desk" (Spiegelman, 2.134). The physical picture acts as a stimulant to Vladek's memory, constantly reminding him of his trauma. In the same way, Maus is a constant reminder to the guilt Art feels due to the Holocaust.

In both novels, however, memory acts as a primary motavator for Winston Smith, Vladek, and Art. In 1984, Winston Smith's primarily goal is to restore proper memory to his people. In Maus, Art writes his comic to come to terms with his guilt by invoking his father's memory. Vladek's entire life revolves around his memory and trauma aquired from the holocaust. His memory forces him to be exceedingly miserly, eventually pulling him apart from his wife. Despite the difference in purpose, memory acts as a driving force behind both Maus and 1984's characters.