1. What is your first impression of Vladek Spiegelman? 2. What does his remark about friends suggest about his personality?

The Sheik: Chapter 1
1. What has happened to Artie's mother?

2. How does Vladek get along with Mala, his second wife? What kind of things do they argue about?

3. How long has it been since Artie last visited his father? What do you think is responsible for their separation?

4. How does Vladek respond when Artie first asks him about his life in Poland? Why might he be reluctant to talk about those years?

5. On page 12 we see a close-up of Vladek as he pedals his exercise bicycle. What is the meaning of the numbers tattooed on his wrist? How does this single image manage to convey information that might occupy paragraphs of text?

6. Describe Vladek's relationship with Lucia Greenberg. How was he introduced to Anja Zylberberg? Why do you think he chose her over Lucia?