understanding Trauma: Maus and Man’s Search for Meaning
Dr. Alicia Rozycki’s VLOG discussing points about trauma and the books, Maus and Man’s Search for Meaning.
UNDERSTANDING TRAUMA: MAUS AND MAN’S SEARCH FOR MEANING
MAUS
January 27 is Holocaust Remembrance Day in the US; it commemorates the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. In 2022 the day was marked with a Tennessee Board of Education banning an impactful book series, Maus, by Art Spiegelman; this novel written in comic strip form tells the story of the writer and illustrator’s father, Vladek, a concentration camp survivor. The drawings toggle between Art’s interactions with his father in the here and now and the stories of Vladek’s experiences from the War. Vladek shares detailed stories of the war with his son that illustrate the unfolding of the war--the Nazi rise to power, the devastation and suffering experienced by the Jewish community, and the tragedy experienced by Vladek and his wife, Anja. Vladek speaks of the loss of his business, having to constantly bribe Nazis and others for attempts at survival, betrayals constantly by those who offer to help, including family members, and the survivor’s guilt he experienced when friends were hanged when they could have offered Vladek up in exchange for their lives. Vladek tells stories of immense anguish, guilt, craftiness, devastation, and loss. Art observes his father’s nightmares, food obsessions, extreme conservation, and stinginess. Despite his father being a survivor, the impact of the horrific experience left its traumatizing mark; emotional pain, tensions, conflict, distrust of others, a clashing of generational/situational experiences, and obsessive hoarding in case the Holocaust should happen again. The impact on Anja proved deadly with her succumbing to suicide in the late 1960s. In Art we see the impact of intergenerational trauma. His relationship with his father is filled with tension and frustration, and he grappled with guilt surrounding his mother’s suicide. In this one family we see surviving the Holocaust, a seemingly positive outcome, is not necessarily positive. This family suffered due to the trauma of the situation at least into the next generation. The novel has proved impactful, achieving a Pulitzer; the first in its genre to do so. The novel also proved to be somewhat controversial yet it seems the intent of the novel was only to process and share the heart wrenching story of the devastating impact of the Holocaust.
MAN’S SEARCH FOR MEANING
Another classic book, Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, like Maus, is also a story of surviving the Holocaust. This is an important text that continues to be a best seller for decades beyond its first printing. It is one I have on many occasions recommended to my patients and used in teaching a course on psychological adjustment. The first two thirds of the book are Frankl’s autobiographical account of “Experiences in a Concentration Camp.” Dr. Frankl was a psychiatrist in Austria specializing in work with suicidal patients prior to the second world war. For the “crime” of being Jewish, Dr. Frankl is arrested and, like Vladek in Maus, sent to Auschwitz and then Dachau. The pain of the experience is graphically described, like Maus, giving the reader a visceral response; the reader comes as close to understanding the experience as an audience member could. We learn of details beyond what might be typically displayed at museums; not only were locks of hair removed and repurposed but all hair was removed. Frankl speaks of emotional dissociation, grim humor, anxiety, and “cold curiosity.” The hopelessness of the situation prompted amongst the inmates thoughts of suicide and in some, acts of suicide (as a reader I recall being surprised to learn this as I thought the desire to survive would be so strong; yet, I had to remind myself that I had the advantage of knowing the end date of the war versus being in an ambiguous state of suffering—not knowing if/when liberation would occur). He notes the mental anguish over the circumstances overrode the physical pain and torture at the hands of the Nazis. He also acknowledges the “soul-destroying mental conflict” caused by starvation. Yet, peppered throughout the account are glimmers of hope and encouragement such as when the hues of a beautiful sunrise filled the sky or thoughts of their beloveds inspired the tortured.
Part two of Frankl’s work is a summary of his theory, “Logotherapy in a Nutshell.” There is a third section, “The Case for Tragic Optimism.” As a writer and theorist, Frankl had great hopes of retaining a hidden copy of a manuscript, his prized possession, from the Nazis. Perhaps losing this in the disinfection chamber inspired his voracious writings post-war. His primary tenet with logotherapy is each person must discover their own meaning and purpose, particularly meaning in life’s suffering, to live well-adjusted and avoid conditions such as depression and anxiety. He speaks of adjusting to life’s suffering and notes, “an abnormal reaction to an abnormal situation is normal behavior.”
Fortunately, there are YouTube videos of interviews with Frankl and movies of his life and work which allow us to gain a three-dimensional view of this now historical figure beyond his many writings. Through these sources we learn how Frankl walked away from the Holocaust for all the devastation and pain, well adjusted. Perhaps finding meaning in suffering is an antidote to the development of posttraumatic stress.
A copy of Man’s Search for Meaning, a compelling read by Dr. Viktor Frankl.
A COMPARISON IN COPING WITH TRAUMA
These are two books that capture exposure to the same major trauma—being Jewish prisoners of war at Auschwitz and Dachau. Yet, there are some significant differences in the experiences and outcomes. Consider that in Maus, Vladek not only speaks of the horrors of life in the camps but seems to have had much different experiences leading up to life in the camps, including many, many betrayals combined with survivor’s guilt. Frankl did not discuss his circumstances prior to imprisonment but alludes to having lived a life that was carrying on as normal, for the most part, until his arrest. These differences should be considered when comparing the two very different outcomes at the individual level. Why does someone develop a posttraumatic stress response and/or develop problematic behaviors and why another does not is a topic that fascinates those who have made the study of trauma their life’s work. For the purpose of this post, the difference will simply be noted. It should be disclaimed that for those who develop a more compromising reaction, there is nothing “wrong” with them. There are many variables that dictate response including those beyond a person’s control such as genetics, experiences during the formative years, the number and duration of exposures, types of traumas, and disposition. The experience outlined by Spiegelman is sadly a common outcome; the impact of significant trauma can be severe and devastating on the individual and their loved ones. To acknowledge and honor this pain is of the utmost importance. No doubt those who have been exposed to significant suffering wish only for relief. In turning to Frankl’s work some ways to find relief are identified. Frankl notes some protective factors that basically involve committing to mental gymnastics of sorts to shift cognitions to try to avoid the negative impacts as much is humanly possible.
COPING WITH ADVERSITY AND TRAUMA
Frankl speaks of remaining optimistic despite three conditions that breed tragedy: pain, guilt, and death. He asks if you can say “yes to life” in spite of everything. Rather than pursue happiness, he suggests pursuing the reason to be happy.
LOVE
So how do we heal and move forward? What can we learn from Dr. Frankl about coping skills? Frankl highlights the importance of love as a factor that inspires survival. Recalling love of a spouse and dreaming of reunification inspired perseverance for Frankl and Vladek in Maus. As Frankl shared about the thought of his wife he noted:
Love goes very far beyond the physical person of the beloved. It finds the deepest meaning in his physical person of the beloved. It finds the deepest meaning in his spiritual being, his inner self. Whether or not he is actually present, whether or not he is still alive at all, ceases somehow to be of importance.
INNER LIFE
The concept of inner life, or turning within, to tap into inspiration during life’s challenges is an important strategy identified by Frankl. Imagination and memory to happy memories of the past prove invaluable. Should individuals come from such a horrific background littered with trauma and lack a mental place to escape to, visualization of a safe, secure place may substitute. Perhaps imagination can be used for creating a such a place. One may find solace in the beauty of art or nature, according to Frankl. He noted appreciation of the sunset, trees, mountains or song and story from others in the camp as a source of inspiration.
HUMOR
Frankl made a deal with a fellow inmate to create one humorous story per day about something that might happen upon release from the camp. Joy and hope are the result of this exercise given the future orientation and lightheartedness. Laughter is an immeasurably useful, uniquely human strategy for boosting mood. Frankl is truly an inspiration; who could find any reason for laughter in a concentration camp? Yet, he focused on this strategy for his own sake and as a tool to help his friend.
MEANING / COGNITIONS
In developing personal meaning, Frankl notes the importance of developing self-respect by acknowledging one’s mind, inner freedoms, and personal value. Frankl remarks on a person’s ability to choose their own attitude. This is the case regardless of the circumstances. Choices can be made throughout the day; there are ample opportunities for decisions. The most important decision, in his opinion, is a spiritual freedom, which is internal; the way suffering was carried and determined to be worthy made one’s life meaningful and purposeful. Identification of meaning in suffering is of the utmost importance for survival. Dreaming of a future and having time-limited goals also contribute to meaning; ambiguity only exacerbates anxiety. Meaning will be person specific and can change in time for each person. Meaning may be derived from suffering; acceptance that in life there is suffering is crucial—there is a unique opportunity in every person to subscribe meaning to their own individual suffering. The greatest courage is in choosing to suffer verses the alternative. Frankl notes suffering is not always pathological and may even be viewed as a human achievement. Without drive and meaning, we may suffer from “Sunday neurosis” or Sunday sick, dreading the week ahead. Depression, anxiety, addiction, and aggression can result. Frankl suggests a path towards self-discovery is taking responsibility as well as serving others through love.
Frankl notes we can find meaning in three key ways:
1. Create a work or do a deed
2. Experience something or encounter someone
3. Choosing the attitude we take towards life suffering
THE FUTURE
Having faith in the future is of the utmost importance in boosting mood and avoiding angst. At the heart of logotherapy is a departure from psychoanalysis from a temporal standpoint; the former looking ahead and the latter reexamining the past—logotherapy also looks within. Courage and hope for the future are necessary for survival. Dreams of goals yet unaccomplished give us a purpose and will to live. The tension between what is and what is still yet to accomplish propel us forward.
CONCLUSIONS
The controversy that has arisen related to Maus of recent has sparked interest in the story of the Holocaust. Let us not forget. I found great personal value in reading Maus, a novel assigned in a college freshman seminar; I am grateful for having attended a talk given by Spiegelman about Maus many years after reading his works. Teaching about these atrocities is critical in society for not repeating these crimes and also for the lessons learned. Frankl learned how to suffer effectively and cope with life’s struggles; thankfully he survived the camps and shared these lessons with the world. Although in the story of Maus, Vladek seemed to continue suffering in many ways post-war, one could speculate that perhaps his son, Art, was able to find some type of healing in exploring and attempting to understand his father’s trauma and its ramifications. In the most basic sense, Frankl’s story of surviving and thriving after life in the camps is the story of applying successful coping skills. From his view, one must travel on one’s own journey in discovering meaning. When we lack healthy ways of coping and lack of direction, mental health problems can develop. To the contrary, Frankl posits that a person has potential within himself/herself; the potential that is actualized depends not on circumstances but on personal decisions.
Frankl asks—when you look back on your life at the end, what will you make of it?
If your problems cannot be solved independently and you are struggling to find some type of triumph in your struggles, I would encourage seeking assistance whether this is with a trusted friend, family member, spouse, religious leader, or psychotherapist. There is no reason to suffer (without meaning) when solutions are available.
BENEFITS OF ONLINE COUNSELING
Online counseling saves you time and energy as you access mental health care from your home or office without having to take time out to commute to and from the appointment. Relax in the comfort of your own space as you devote one hour to self-care. Secure platforms are used to protect your privacy. Research shows online therapy and in-person sessions are equally effective. So why not choose the more convenient option? Save time, gas, and minimize stress so that a one-hour appointment takes only one hour and not 3 with traffic.
BEGIN COUNSELING WITH AN ONLINE THERAPIST IN COLORADO, FLORIDA, MARYLAND, AND PENNSYLVANIA
If you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed, stop wishing and take an action towards change today! AROSE eTherapy offers a Free 15-minute consult. If you would like to proceed to services after your consult, we’ll book you our next available initial appointment, and you’ll be on your way to healing!
AROSE eTherapy offers over 16 years’ experience in offering mental health services.
ABOUT the author
Alicia Rozycki, PhD
Dr. Rozycki is a licensed psychologist and the founder of AROSE eTherapy, an online therapy practice serving high achieving professional women and military affiliates including active duty, veterans, spouses, and government employees. Virtual sessions are available in Colorado, Florida, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Learn more about Dr. Rozycki.
Frankl, V. (1946). Man’s Search for Meaning. Pocket Books.
Spiegelman, A. (1986). Maus: A Survivor’s Tale. I: My Father Bleeds History. Pantheon Books.
Spiegelman, A. (1986). Maus: A Survivor’s Tale. II: And Here My Troubles Began. Pantheon Books.
