In "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer, Oskar carries a suffocating amount of guilt that hinders his ability to move forward after his father's death. Oskar believes that finding the origin of the key in his father's room will help him fulfill his father's wishes, ultimately providing him with the closure necessary to find happiness. Oskar links his profound depression to his inability to locate the lock, expressing, "That gave me heavy boots because it reminded me of the lock that I still hadn't found, and how until I found it, I didn't love Dad enough" (251). He describes his depression as "Heavy Boots" and believes that completing this quest, which he perceives as his father's final request, will prove his love for his father. Struggling to accomplish this seemingly impossible task, Oskar experiences intense guilt, convinced that he has disappointed his father. For Oskar, resolving what he perceives as his failure is the only way to alleviate his guilt.
Oskar's Mental Health and Guilt
When Oskar eventually discovers the lock, he confides in its owner, William Black, recounting the significance of the key and the guilt he feels, particularly regarding his failure to answer his father's final phone call: "He needed me, and I couldn't pick up. I just couldn't pick up. I just couldn't. Are you there? He asked eleven times. I know, because I've counted" (301). Although it remains unclear who Oskar's father was trying to contact, Oskar is certain that it was him. Oskar views his inability to answer the call as the ultimate betrayal to his father and continues to blame himself for it years after his father's passing. He obsessively replays the messages, counts the attempts, and meticulously analyzes every moment, dwelling on the regret that he was not there to speak to his father in his final moments. Despite the impossibility of knowing he needed to be present to answer the phone, Oskar still holds himself responsible. His refusal to release the overwhelming burden of guilt results in severe mental health implications and challenges in managing his grief.
Oskar's Journey of Healing and Closure
Oskar's journey to clarity and resolution involves grappling with his internal guilt and the immense weight it places on his ability to cope with his grief. The narrative in "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" vividly portrays the excruciating impact of Oskar's guilt and grief, shedding light on the complexities of his emotional turmoil and mental anguish. The robust portrayal of Oskar's grief and its interplay with his guilt serves as a poignant exploration of the human psyche and the enduring impact of unresolved emotions. Foer deftly navigates the intricate layers of Oskar's emotional landscape, painting a vivid and compelling picture of the profound struggles he faces in his quest for healing and closure.
Themes and Symbols in "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close"
This masterful narrative weaves together themes of grief, guilt, and resilience with powerful symbols and deeply resonant storytelling, offering readers a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience. Oskar's multifaceted journey serves as a compelling lens through which to explore the complexities of grief and the indelible impact of guilt on the human psyche. "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" stands as a testament to the enduring power of human resilience in the face of profound loss and emotional turmoil, inviting readers to grapple with universal themes of healing, closure, and the unyielding nature of the human spirit.
In conclusion, "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" delves into the profound and far-reaching implications of guilt and grief, as personified in Oskar's emotional journey. The novel's exploration of these themes offers readers a deeply moving and introspective narrative that resonates on a profound and universal level, ultimately serving as a poignant testament to the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
