literary interpretation

In the early parts of the book (especially 30 and 33) we are introduced to three types of characters in Maus. First are the Jews. They are represented by small and seemingly insignificant mice. The Nazis come in the form of sinister looking cats who hunt mice. There is a somewhat neutral type. It's the pig. Although they sometimes play the role of policemen, they can be as caring as nurses.

I think that Siegelman used mice to portray Jews for a couple of reasons. There is the obvious: Cats vs. Mice scenario, that plays well into the theme of Nazis vs. Jews. Another reason is that there are mixed feelings about them. I like mice, but others (such as my mum...) would rather dispose of the little vermin. During WWII, some people jumped on the band wagon and thought ill of Jews while others sympathized and helped the Jews.
The use of pigs was just to show that some did not choose sides, and to