luck and resourcefulness

Throughout Maus 1 you begin to see the dark reality setting in for the Jews.  Although Vladek is not victim of the concentration camps until the second book, he made it for a considerable amount of time in hiding.  He was able to keep from capture so long based from the connections he already had. Connections that in the end got him captured but, ones that were most necessary for bettering his chances of survival.  Once Vladek is in the concentration camp his resourcefulness and sprinkled in luck starts to show itself.  As far as proper attire, which was a necessity for survival, Vladek was considerable lucky that most of his clothes fit him.  His friend with one shoe struggles day to day trying to walk with one shoe, no belt and no spoon.  This can be a huge blow to moral of a prisoner making the end seem closer and more of a sealed fate.  When the guard looking for someone who can speak English presents himself, the situation itself was lucky, Vladek takes the opportunity to impress the guard.  The guard treats Vladek to new clothes, and food he had only been able to dream of.  Vladek's knowledge of English turned an odd question by the guard into a lucky opportunity for better treatment and chance of survival at the camp.  To call Vladek lucky is fair but, it is better to say that Vladek's knowledge and resourcefulness made everyday situations opportunities to keep hope alive.