"Maus"

        In the final flashback of volume 1 on page 157 we are presented with a picture of the entrance to the concentration camp that Vladek will be forced into as his real pain will soon begin. He specifically states that they “knew the stories,” and that “They will gas [them] and throw [them] into the ovens.” They knew that hardships and pain that was in store for them yet they had to quietly obey the orders given, not knowing when they would die. The panel depicting the entrance of the camp is dark and gloomy because of the intentional shading. The shading gives a grayish feel to the sky, which is usually a sign of negativity and gloominess, foreshadowing the suffering yet to come. In this panel everything seems darker, so dark that we can’t even see the officer’s eyes, but there is enough light to see his fangs. Even the dogs’ fangs are more prominent and visible than the little dots they have as eyes. The baring of the teeth of the “people” who work at the concentration camp, gives off an ominous feeling to the reader. It helps show the cruelty of the officers. The picture isn’t as defined as the shading blends together to create a blur. As mentioned before the mood created by this panel is ominous and eerie as it foreshadows the killing starvation and suffering of the innocent Jews. It’s as if you can hear the screams, barks, and the gun shots in the far off distance beyond the buildings in the background. The true essence of the panel is really shown through the shading of the sky and the camp entrance.