Why do the characters appear to wear mask in maus 2?

In "Maus II," the characters often wear masks to symbolize the layers of identity and survival strategies they adopt in response to trauma and societal expectations. The masks represent how individuals conceal their true emotions and experiences, especially in the context of the Holocaust and its aftermath. By depicting characters as animals, Art Spiegelman also emphasizes the dehumanization faced during this period, while the masks illustrate the ongoing struggle to cope with their past. Ultimately, these masks reflect the complexity of identity and the need to navigate a world filled with pain and loss.