Questions and Answers
Which of Oskar's classmates is constantly tormenting him?
Jimmy Snyder
Who is Oskar's Jujitsu instructor?
Sensei Mark
What is Oskar's favorite band?
The Beatles
What did Thomas, Sr. love doing with a passion besides Oskar's grandmother?
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What does Oskar invent so blind people can be contributing members of society?
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What song does his invented teakettle play?
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What day of the week is most exciting for Oskar?
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What is the most mentioned newspaper?
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How much money did Oskar's grandmother give to the trick-or-treaters?
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What language does the woman living in Agnes Black's apartment speak?
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How many Boroughs are there in NYC?
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What song is playing on the radio on the drive home from the psychiatrist?
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Oskar fantasizes about swearing at others when he is angry.
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Who does Thomas write to in 'Why I'm not where you are'?
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Was Thomas Jr. born into a loveless marriage?
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What is the last word that Thomas loses?
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What does Grandma decide to do after feeling the baby kick?
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What subject fascinates Oskar in the interview recording he plays?
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Who does Oskar help set up an e-mail account?
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What does Grandpa write to Oskar's mother after the World Trade Center attack?
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What does Oskar find when he snoops around Grandma's apartment?
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What does Oskar want to dig up?
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What does Oskar play to calm himself?
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What does the First Chapter of the book express?
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Where were Oskar's grandparents originally from?
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What is the focus of Chapter 1?
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What color does Oskar supposedly wear?
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Who is referenced in the title 'To my unborn child'?
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What does the narrator in Chapter 2 lose word by word?
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Where was Ruth Black originally from?
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Who is Anna in relation to Oskar?
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What does Oskar find in a blue vase?
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Who is Ron?
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Who does Oskar's grandfather refer to when he says he didn't want because he wanted things more?
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What rule does Oskar's grandma mention when she talks about her life story?
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Why does Oskar blame himself for his father's death?
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Who knows what the key is for?
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In which chapter does Oskar decide to meet all the Blacks alphabetically?
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What is the significance of the mascot in Oskar's production of Hamlet?
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How does Grandma feel about early days of marriage?
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What does Oskar carry around his neck?
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What did Oskar's dad's name signify on the pages of the art supply store?
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Study Notes
Chapter 1
- Oskar introduces himself, revealing his vivid imagination with quirky inventions like a teakettle that whistles melodies and a birdseed shirt.
- Themes of death permeate as he recounts attending his father's funeral, showing mixed emotions toward his mother's irritation and concern about love.
- Oskar reflects on his father's legacy, remembering a scavenger hunt and the letters he began sending to famous personalities after his father's death.
Chapter 2
- Shifts to a new narrator's perspective in 1963, who communicates through a series of YES and NO tattoos.
- The narrator reminisces about meeting his partner at a bakery, sharing thoughts on loss and their evolving relationship despite his speech loss.
- Explores profound themes of isolation, love, and the urgency of connection through written words.
Chapter 3
- Oskar grapples with feelings of abandonment after his father's death, leading to behavioral issues like self-inflicted bruises.
- Finds a mysterious key in a broken vase, igniting a quest to discover what it unlocks among New York City’s myriad of locks.
- Encounters struggles with understanding his father’s world while processing his emotions of grief and searching for closure.
Chapter 4
- Another letter format introduces a woman reflecting on her past, including a connection to the silent man from Chapter 2.
- Describes her formative years and chance meetings, hinting at romantic ties woven through shared creative endeavors.
- Themes of history, communication, and unspoken understandings play crucial roles in her narrative arc.
Chapter 5
- Oskar decides to meet all the Blacks alphabetically, highlighting his quest and determination.
- Encounters various characters named Black, each providing insight into their lives but none linking directly to his father or the key.
- A poignant moment occurs as Oskar grapples with social anxieties and rejection during his search, leading to emotional growth.
Chapter 6
- A letter from Oskar's grandfather delves into his reflections on life, marriage, and his past with Anna, Oskar's grandmother.
- Addresses themes of regret and connection, illustrating the strained relationship due to unfulfilled expectations and emotional distance.
- Faithful to the narrative, it underscores the generational trauma and loss suffered by the family.
Chapter 7
- Oskar's school production of Hamlet serves as an allegory for his personal struggles and influences from his experiences with the Blacks.
- Stubbornly clings to his dream of finding the lock for his key, despite setbacks, portraying resilience amid despair.
- Offers moments of humor and warmth with characters like Mr. Black, their interactions enriching Oskar’s understanding of humanity’s complexities.
Chapter 8
- Grandma narrates her experiences while revealing her loneliness and struggles for connection, marked by her husband's departure.
- Highlights the weirdness of her first Halloween, contributing to her characterization and depth.
- Illustrates the pervasive themes of abandonment and yearning through her relationship with Oskar’s grandfather.
Chapter 9
- In a show-and-tell, Oskar's fascination with Hiroshima impacts his social life negatively, demonstrating his unique perspective on trauma.
- Revisits his quest with Mr. Black through the Bronx, resulting in surprising connections and revelations about the past.
- Encounters various Blacks, each enriching the narrative and Oskar's understanding of loss and memory in the context of diverse experiences.### Oskar's Emotions and Family Dynamics
- Oskar struggles with bottled anger regarding his father's death, imagining outbursts he refrains from expressing.
- His mother's conversation with Dr. Fein raises concerns over Oskar's emotional state and potential self-harm, leading her to reject hospitalization for him.
- Oskar listens to a message from his father on the phone, highlighting his longing to reconnect with him.
Grandfather's Letter and the Bombing of Dresden
- A letter written by Oskar's grandfather reveals he sends daily letters to his absent son, laden with memories of a pivotal night that changed their lives.
- The bombing of Dresden is described in vivid detail, reflecting on the chaos of war and loss, and the grandfather's futile search for loved ones post-bombing.
- The letter includes poignant messages, emphasizing themes of love and longing that resonate with Oskar's experiences.
The Mythical Sixth Borough
- The Sixth Borough, an island once neighboring Manhattan, symbolizes loss and separation, drifting away as people attempted to hold onto it.
- Communication with the Sixth Borough is whimsically done through various items, reflecting a child's perspective on love and connection.
- The transition of Central Park from the Sixth Borough signifies a coming-of-age moment for the children, paralleling Oskar’s journey into adulthood.
Reflections on Loss and Tragedy
- Oskar's grandmother recounts her experiences on September 11, reflecting on the trauma of watching the events unfold on news and the subsequent grief.
- She expresses her sorrow over the void left by her husband's absence, dealing with the trauma alongside Oskar's mother.
- Their shared grief emphasizes the impact of loss and the effort to hold on to memories even when faced with overwhelming sadness.
Oskar's Journey to Find Answers
- Oskar's quest leads him to discover empty envelopes and an old renter, indicating unresolved family stories and connections with the past.
- He explores the meaning of his father's messages, seeking closure regarding his death and grappling with guilt over missed communication during the tragic event.
- The exploration of addresses related to the Black family uncovers deeper relational dynamics within Oskar's search, such as unexpected connections and revelations.
Encounters and New Understandings
- Oskar’s venture with Mr. Black culminates in an empathic relationship developed through shared experiences of loss, resulting in Oskar's change of heart regarding his father’s memory.
- Oskar learns about the key to a deposit box that holds significance, concluding that emotional connections transcend physical remnants.
- His experiences reveal the importance of confronting grief directly, present in interactions with people who understand loss.
Interweaving Narratives and Symbolic Acts
- The act of digging up his father’s grave brings Oskar’s quest full circle, symbolizing a search for understanding and closure in a fragmented world.
- His emotional bond with both grandparent figures illustrates a cycle of grief and the means of coping through creative expression and shared stories.
- The correspondence with Stephen Hawking reflects Oskar’s yearning for mentorship and connection beyond familial ties, underscoring the theme of grasping at relationships amidst pervasive loss.
Overall Themes of Hope and Resilience
- The interplay of past memories, present grief, and future hope renders a narrative of resilience, encouraging readers to confront and process their own experiences of loss.
- Oskar's youthful innocence contrasts sharply with the heavy burdens of grief he carries, depicting a hopeful journey toward healing.
- Emotional outlets, such as inventions and creativity, signify Oskar's attempts to make sense of his world, highlighting the human capacity for imagination in the face of tragedy.### Key Characters and Concepts
- Thomas Schell: Name frequently encountered by Oskar in an art store, significant in the narrative.
- Thomas Snr: Considered a giant at approximately two meters tall, representing physical stature and presence in Dresden.
- Oskar: Main character who often fantasizes about expressing anger through swearing, highlighting his emotional struggles.
Setting and Locations
- New York City: Comprises five boroughs, providing a vibrant urban backdrop for the story.
- Nothing Area: A restricted area described in relation to grandparents, raising questions about the significance of 'nothing' versus 'something' in their lives.
Relationships and Family Dynamics
- Abby Black: A beautiful woman who deceives Oskar, showcasing themes of trust and deception.
- Thomas Jr: Born into a loveless marriage, struggles with feelings of inadequacy in his relationship and parenting.
- Oskar’s Mom: Takes proactive measures by calling the Blacks ahead of Oskar's visit, indicating concern for his well-being.
Emotional and Psychological Themes
- Heavy Boots: An expression symbolizing depression, illustrating the weight of emotional burdens.
- Grandfather's Observations: Enjoys watching reunions at the airport, reflecting on connections and familial bonds.
- Conflict in Grandparents’ System: The introduction of strict rules intended to simplify their lives instead creates complexities and suffering.
Miscellaneous
- Marty Mahaltra: Cab driver who receives $76.50 from Oskar, representing small acts of interaction and connection in Oskar's life.
- Final Word 'I': The last word Thomas loses, symbolizing loss of self and identity in the context of the story.
- Oskar's Actions: After seeing a psychiatrist, Oskar listens to a message from his father, revealing his struggle with processing emotions.
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Description
Explore the quirky inventions and reflections of the narrator in Chapter 1 of 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.' This chapter sets the tone for the unique storytelling style and introduces readers to the protagonist's fascinating world. Engage with the flashcards to reinforce your understanding of the key concepts presented in this chapter.
