Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Towards the beginning of the book, as the death of his father in the World Trade Center came into the picture, I had difficulties relating to Oskar's situation, especially because his story was written with such equanimity. But on page 69, when Oskar listens to the message from his father, I became more emotionally involved in the story. As I read about the key he finds in the vase, it seemed like another of his father's puzzles or treasure hunts Oskar had described, which made the story seem more personal as I tried to figure out what it was for. Initially, the story had a sweet, innocent, almost oblique tone that made it enjoyable, but not entirely relatable. But as the characters and the plot developed it became more personal and I became more emotionally attached to Oskar and his situation.
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On the other hand, many readers may find Oskar's first pages of narration to be the most relatable thus far -- the cringe worthy pun of "yo-yo moi" (p 3) combined with his quirky and occasionally lewd daydreaming present Oskar as a typical nine-year-old, albeit an extremely intelligent one. Admittedly, death is the only consistent way to draw a reader into personal comparisons, and the gripping, tragic story of Oskar's father serves its purpose extremely well. On the other hand, such a cruelly perfect story of loss is far less common than the rather uneventful deaths that visit the majority of people, such as those brought by cancer and other illnesses. In essence, Oskar's story becomes less relatable, yet more vivid, as the story progresses in the first 80-some pages. Therefore, the impact of a narrative does not always have to lie in its real-world relatability, but rather the fear and empathy associated with its envisioned reality.
ReplyDeleteThe smallest details about Oskar make him endearing, in my opinion. His pet's name, Buckminster, and his love for writing to celebrities makes me not only relate to him, but care about him.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it became more personal as the plot developed. In regard to the blue vase discovery, I found myself feeling more sympathy for Oskar when the vase crashed to the floor. "'I didn't do it!' I hollered, but they didn't even hear me" (37). I felt that this line was a symbol for how he felt disconnected from his mother ever since his father passed away because they had such different ways of grieving. It gave me a deeper understanding of how the loss of his father affected the dynamic he had with his mother.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I am becoming more emotionally attached to Oskar as I keep reading. I find myself wanting him to find more clues; I am rooting for Oskar. In my opinion, the story has become more relatable because we have learned more about Oskar and his life. Looking back on the beginning of the story, I think it is just as relatable as the latest section we have read because we understand it better now.
ReplyDeleteI found that all the little things about Oskar, his life, and how the author tells us his story, are relatable. They are all in this story so that we can relate and feel like we are living the story as well. Personally I thought his use of common phrases that I may have used when I was nine allows me as the reader to remember what it was like to be that age and actually made the story more relatable and realistic.
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