How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Isn't it so weird how the number of dead people is increasing even though the earth stays the same size, so that one day there isn't going to be room to bury anyone anymore? (1.7)
Yes, Oskar is a kid full of morbid trivia. This isn't unusual because his life has been defined by the death of his father. This is an example of how Oskar occupies himself with strange details to avoid the bigger emotional reality of his father's death.
Quote #2
"Your dad didn't die, so I won't be able to explain it to you." (3.37)
Oskar's father's death is the central event of his life; he feels it defines him. As a result, he sometimes feels like he can't relate to people unless they've experienced the same level of trauma and grief. Kids who've lost a parent often feel isolated and misunderstood.
Quote #3
"So it will be OK if I throw away all of your things and forget about you after you die?" (5.48)
Ouch. Oskar makes this hurtful remark to his Mom. The two of them have different ways of coping with Thomas's death. Oskar doesn't seem to understand that his Mom will never forget his Dad, whether she hangs on to his material belongings or not. As a child, Oskar may need more tangible things to deal with his grief.