Final answer:
Vladek's heroic traits inspire empathy and understanding, which can serve as a catalyst for social change by fostering awareness and promoting action against historical atrocities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The heroic traits depicted in Vladek’s story within the graphic novel “Maus” by Art Spiegelman serve as a powerful catalyst for social change, primarily by inspiring empathy and understanding. Empathy, which allows people to share and understand the feelings of others, is a critical element in fostering social cohesion and raising awareness about historical events, like the Holocaust depicted in the novel. The portrayal of Vladek’s struggles and resilience under Nazi oppression not only commemorates his heroism but also serves to humanize the experiences of those who suffered, bridging the gap between past and present generations and promoting a deeper understanding of these events’ impact on society. This can lead to increased awareness and a call to action against such atrocities, thereby contributing to social change.