**Final Answer:
C) It offers a new perspective on the Holocaust.**
Step-by-step explanation:
Art Spiegelman's graphic novel "Maus," which depicts Jews as mice and Nazis as cats, offers a unique and powerful lens through which to view the Holocaust. This representation challenges conventional perspectives and invites readers to consider the complex dynamics of power, victimhood, and survival in a fresh way.
By using anthropomorphic characters, Spiegelman allows readers to engage with the narrative on both an emotional and intellectual level. The visual metaphor of mice and cats transcends traditional portrayals, providing a metaphorical distance that encourages reflection. This approach helps to break down the enormity of the historical tragedy, making it more accessible to a broader audience.
The depiction of characters as animals also serves to emphasize the dehumanizing effects of the Holocaust. It highlights the arbitrary nature of identity-based persecution and the absurdity of the prejudices that fueled it. This fresh perspective challenges readers to confront the Holocaust's horrors in a manner that traditional accounts might not achieve.
In essence, "Maus" doesn't trivialize the Holocaust but rather uses a unique visual metaphor to deepen our understanding. It prompts us to rethink our assumptions, fostering a more empathetic and nuanced comprehension of one of the darkest chapters in human history.