Quote 19
“The Germans paid no attention of me …In the Polish car they could smell if a Polish Jew came in.” (I.6.142)
Vladek can exploit racial stereotypes in this situation. The soldiers are thinking in a racist way: according to the stereotype, Jews should be easily identifiable by their features alone, and they should exhibit cowardly behavior. Vladek can pass undetected because he breaks these stereotypes.
Quote 20
“The mothers always told so: ‘Be careful! A Jew will catch you to a bag and eat you!’ So they taught to their children.” (I.6.151)
Four words: racism begins at home.
Quote 21
“Zyklon B, a pesticide, dropped into hollow columns.” (II.2.61)
To the Nazis, the Jews weren’t just <em>like</em> vermin; they <em>were</em> vermin. A pesticide is used in the gas chambers.