This is a guide for my AP English Literature students to help them make sense of the literature we encounter, and I will include some cool stuff that will lead others to love and admire a variety of authors and their works.
Why does Oskar's father tell him the story of the Sixth
Borough? What is the moral of the story here? How does it tie in with Oskar's
earlier search in Central Park?
38 comments:
Matthew Brown
said...
I believe that Oskar's father told him that story to give Oskar a since of wonder and that there is more than meets the eye. The smallest detail can mean something extraordinary. This story also showed Oskar the deference between optimism and pessimism. This was shown with the circumstantial evidence, like the hook holes, in central park, the crowning achievement of the sixth burrow. If you believe then your and optimist and if you think its fake then your a pessimist. In my opinion the moral of the story is that sometimes you can't stop things from happening, no matter how hard you try. This was shown by having people try to keep the sixth burrow in place, but to no avail.
I think Oskar's father told him the story of the Sixth Borough to show him that anything can be "real" if you want to believe it. Like he says, there's no definite evidence against the existence of the Sixth Borough, so you can believe it's real if you want to. He's basically telling Oskar that anything is possible if you want it to be. Which I feel is the mentality that the father has (and is the best kind of outlook to have.)
Oskar's father's story was told to give Oskar some perspective and show him that anything can be possible, it all depends on how you decide to look at it. When it comes to the Sixth Borough, however, there is no proof that disclaims that it ever was yet there are signs that people conclude to have been present because there was indeed a sixth borough. This is a lesson on having an open mind, I suppose. Keeping an open mind can open a world of wonder and opportunities.
I think that Oskar's dad told him the story to give him a lesson. This story is telling him that anything is possible if you believe and keep an open mind. When you keep an open, childlike mindset, you will be opened up to so many extraordinary things. His father also told him this story to make sure Oskar sticks to what he believes in. Even though their are people who don't believe in the Sixth Bourough, you still have to stick to what you believe. You must stay true to yourself and your beliefs, regardless of what others say.
Oskar's father told him the story of the Sixth Borough because he wanted to teach his son about life and people. He wanted his son to realize that people will not always agree and when they do not agree, they will look for evidence to prove that their point of view or their thought is correct. Just as with the part of the story about the long jumper. Many people offered their point of view as to why the long jumper's toe hit the water, including the long jumper himself. People will naturally look for evidence to support their point of view no matter how far fetched their idea may be. He wants his son to understand that he alone is responsible for choosing in what he believes. He wants Oskar to learn to form his own opinions about things based on what evidence he himself finds, including the items he dug up at Central Park. The items he dug up at Central Park could lead Oskar to form his own opinion of whether or not the Sixth Borough actually existed.
The story of the sixth borough has probably the most important value that a parent can teach a child: that of faith. Oskar's father suggested that it could be real, as long as his son maintained an optimistic point of view. Oskar bases everything he believes in off of cold, scientific fact. Oskar's father wants him to examine more than just the hard facts of life. The night of his father's story could not have been more timely. After finding that his father was dead, the scientific side of Oskar said that the only thing left of his father was the dust of his body that people breathed in that day. The scientific side of Oskar questions why they would give his dad a funeral if there wasn't even a body there. Oskar is saddened that a man so important to him as his father isn't on one of Mr. Black's cards, because nothing past what is tangible lives on, according to science. The reason Oskar is having such a hard time getting past is father's death is because the scientific part of his brain doesn't allow for faith. Oskar can't find peace because he doesn't think his dad found peace. Oskar is afraid of death because he doesn't want to be dust that people breath in and forget about.
Thomas Schell was trying to teach Oskar that he can blend imagination with facts to come up with his beliefs. Thomas states that there is no lasting evidence of a Sixth Borough, however he challenges Oskar to look at the clues in Manhattan's Central Park. Oskar's logical side would argue that there is no official written records that speak of this Sixth Borough, but he has to wonder, "The peculiar fossil record would make sense if it came from another landmass...". By combining Oskar's logic and imagination, Thomas is trying to show his son that a person does not have to be strictly a optimist /pessimist or a logically/imaginative person. He can use both of his sides to form opinions and beliefs. I think this can be applied to everyone. People doubt themselves when they find themselves believing something that goes against their normalcy, but what they need to recognize is they can sit on the fence- they don't have to take one side or another.
I agree with everyone who has commented so far; Oskar's father is definitely trying to teach Oskar about faith and the fact that people can choose what to believe in. However, I also found evidence of a sort of "sub-moral". I feel that Oskar's father told the story to show the benefits of openness to change as well as to new ideas. For instance, all of the New Yorkers tried ardently to prevent the Sixth Borough from floating away, despite the fact that they had been told that such an event was inevitable. In my opinion, they tried a bit too hard and, consequently, were that much more disappointed when their efforts failed; if they had come to accept reality sooner, they wouldn't have been in for such a letdown. Also, the story tells of many Sixth Borough residents who refused to move from their current homes, believing that the other New Yorkers were the ones who should be moving. As a result, they let themselves become isolated and lost all of their friends in New York without even saying goodbye. Two children, however, were not so defiant. They did not become angry about the situation, thus allowing themselves to bid each other a proper farewell before they were separated forever. Later on in the story, it is revealed that everything and everyone in the Sixth Borough is now frozen. I think this has a double meaning, that it is really eluding to the personalities of the people and what is inside of them. While most of the residents have been molded into sulky people who will forever carry a grudge and/or regret, that single boy is shown as someone who has something happy frozen inside of him. Because he and his friend released love instead of anger, he can now take the girl's love with him wherever he goes. Mindsets tend to have lasting effects on a person, and that is part of what Oskar's father is trying to tell him with this story.
Like everyone else stated, Thomas told Oskar this story to give him faith in things beyond science and to show him what it meant to be an optimist. I believe the author decided to put this chapter in here to give us a glimpse of what Oskar's belief system was like when his father was around and how it's like now without his father. Oskar's search in Central Park ties in here because from this story, we see Thomas's fanatical side. He uses an elaborate story to expose Oskar to the intangible. Maybe Thomas wants Oskar to find something and gain something more than an object in his search in Central Park. I can't help but think that the whole search for the lock to Oskar's key is similar. Maybe Oskar's dad simply wanted Oskar to meet new people, see how they live, and discover new things.
While I completely agree with what everyone has said about Oskar's father's reasoning I couldn't help but think of the grandmother and grandfather's relationship throughout the chapter. The grandmother would be Manhattan, she tried so hard to get the grandfather (Sixth Borough) to stay even though she knew that inevitably he would leave her. The grandfather (Sixth Borough) could see the path they were going down but was to stubborn to believe that their relationship was going to end. In other words, he "refused to move". Then with the story of the two friends with the string-and-tin-can-phone, as time went on they became more and more distant and added more and more string (with the grandparents it was rules and nothing places instead of string) until the girl said "I love you" and the boy "put her love for him on a shelf". Also when Oskar's father told him the Sixth Borough ended up in Antarctica, all I could think of was how the grandfather ended up alone in Dresden frozen in the past and haunted by its memories. I don't know maybe I'm just over-reading into what was said.
I think everyone who has posted basically interprets the story in the same way. I believe that Oskar was told this story so that he could open up his mind to the idea of a God, or as Heli put it, "to give him faith in things beyond science." But even beyond this, I believe the moral of the story was that everyone has to learn to let go of things. I believe Oskar's father saw how many things he keeps close to his heart, and how he keeps them there for a very long time. Oskar’s father knew that this could be a bad thing and didn't want Oskar to never let go of the pain or emotions. The story was probably also symbolizing how Oskar had to learn to let go of things that would be hard to. Things like his dad; just like how the girl and boy in the story were forced to break apart from each other even though they loved each other. Basically, the moral of the story was to simply let go. It’s okay to have memories, but don’t let the loss of something or someone take you away from other important things in your life.
I agree with what everyone above is saying completely, but I think that this story may also have led Oskar to keep the phone hidden and to himself when his father died. In the story it talks of two people who liked each other and would communicate through the string and can phone and when the boy knew he was going to be gone and there wasn't anyway he'd be able to stop it he asked the girl to say I love you into the phone and when she did he put a lid on the can so that could always be the phrase stuck in the can that would stay there and wouldn't be ruined by anything else. I believe Oskar subconsciously remembered this and that's why he took the phone so that, even though his father doesn't directly say it you can feel it in his voice, he could always have his dad's version of I love you with him.
Thomas Schell was trying to teach Oskar a lesson while using the mythical sixth borough as an example. Thomas explained how great the place was and why it had to go. The people of New York tried to save it but couldn't and the people of the sixth borough didn't want to leave. The moral his father was trying to tell him was to cherish the moment and hang on to the present. However, you must be willing to let go as time passes until the time to leave can no longer be delayed. Another lesson that Thomas explained to Oskar is believing. Oskar holds to this notion that science must prove everything for there to be existence while his father encourages him to believe in something even if there appears to be no proof. According to Thomas, Central Park used to be in the middle of the sixth borough. This may explain as to why Oskar searches there. He is looking for remnants of the sixth borough.
Although everyone seems to agree with each other, I have to disagree. I think that Oskars father told him the story as a representation of history because not everything has proof of its existence. For example the disappence of Amelia Earhart and the plane she flew. There is no evidence that her plane crashed and she could be at the bottom of the ocean. She could have landed on a island and lived a happy life. Its only real if you believe it is and I think that's what Oskars dad was trying to teach him in the story. I also have another theory that the story was just another way to bond with him like the game that they made up because he only told Oskar the story because hr kept looking in central park for clues to the never ending game that they played.
Although everyone seems to agree with each other, I have to disagree. I think that Oskars father told him the story as a representation of history because not everything has proof of its existence. For example the disappence of Amelia Earhart and the plane she flew. There is no evidence that her plane crashed and she could be at the bottom of the ocean. She could have landed on a island and lived a happy life. Its only real if you believe it is and I think that's what Oskars dad was trying to teach him in the story. I also have another theory that the story was just another way to bond with him like the game that they made up because he only told Oskar the story because hr kept looking in central park for clues to the never ending game that they played.
I think the Sixth Borough story was shared to Oskar so he would believe that anything is possible or could be real whether it lacks logic or not. Anything can be real or meaningful if you believe in it enough. I think the moral of the story is to believe in what you want and stay passionate about it whether or not there is logical evidence of it or not. I think he is also trying to hint t him that there is more to believe other than science as Heli said earlier, which he has a point. It's important to try and believe in other things despite logistics or other peoples opinions which is exactly what Oskar's dad was telling him.
He tells Oskar of people who were content with their way of life even if they were slowly moving away from everyone else. At the end everyone helped to take out a piece of the sixth borough that became the pride and joy of New York. This chunk of land becomes Central Park. The purpose of the story is not to pass up something because it seems far fetched and look around and see the clues.
I agree with what others have stated above, that the story of the sixth borough was to show the idea of faith. As well as the thought that being passionate can really oppen the eyes to some very strong lessons. I think this story was to show Oskar that you have to just brush off what everyone else thinks. That the ideas of one's self are the mist importabt because in the end, the person that they have the most impact on is themselves.
Oskar's father tells him the story of the Sixth Borough because it shows how things can be very complicated, but possible. How the smallest of details can lead to a bigger picture. I think there were also morals involved here as well. His father was telling him that nothing lasts forever and enjoy life while you have it. Live in the moment and don't wait for life to happen before you waste it all away.
Oskar's father tells him the story of the Sixth Borough to essentially show that anything is possible. The moral of the story is that since there is no real evidence against the existence of the Sixth Borough, that it is real if you would like to believe that it is real. It ties in with the idea of being an open minded human. Having faith along with an open mind allows anything to be possible.
Oskar’s father tells him the story of the sixth Borough to try to open his eyes to things he may not expect. The moral of the story is, anything is possible unless it is proven impossible, which effects how Oskar thinks all the way to the end of the book.
I found the story of The Sixth Borough to be quite interesting and creative though obviously far-fetched. But the story had two great morals behind it. Many other students brought up the moral of anything can be real if you believe that it can be real. I thought to mention a different moral that I found. I thought it was interesting to see that all the people of New York City loved and marveled the long jumper as he jumped the East River. “For the few moments that the jumper was in the air, every New Yorker felt capable of flight.” His jumps evoked admiration and inspiration. Yet the moment his toe sent ripples at the edge of the bank, the people lost faith and sought speculations against the jumper. They all assumed it was the jumper’s fault; he ate too much; he had a bad start; he’s past his prime; his heart wasn’t in it. They were so fast to speculate against him, even though it was the Sixth Borough’s movement that resulted in the touching of the water. They were quick to denounce the jumper because they were close minded; they didn’t think it could’ve been any other factors.
The moral of the story is believing in the unseen, or in other words, having faith that something is there when it cannot be proven. As shown through the "jumper", the people of Manhattan all "felt capable of flight" & "believed" he could do it. I found this story somewhat hypocritical because Oskar's father is said to be an atheist. Interesting enough a synonym for atheist is "non-believer".. so then why would he be telling Oskar to belief in things when he does not? Earlier in the novel Oskar had been traveling around central park with his grandmother and a metal detector, so when he heard about the 6th borough, Oskar thought the items he had found had a correlation to the lost borough. Just as a side note, I thought the way they moved central park was comical... especially in the sheer fact that children were still playing when they transported it.
Oskar's father is trying to show him that anything can exist as long as we use our imagination to its highest capability. His father states that if there is no evidence against it in not being real, then why should you think that it couldn't be real. I agree with Steven in what he states about his father's mentality and trying to pass it on to Oskar, to make him more innovative and imaginative. I also believe that Oskar's father is trying to also teach him that if you can dream it, then anything in this world can be yours as long as you put your mind to it.
Oskar's father tells him the story of the Sixth Borough to teach him that anything can be real, even the most absurd ideas, as long as you choose to believe. The moral of the actual story though is that some things happen that just can't be stopped. People tried everything they could think of to stop the Sixth Borough from drifting away but the loss of the Borough was inevitable. All they could do was accept it. The idea of the Sixth Borough tied in with Oskar's earlier search in Central Park because he thinks some of the things he found could have been from the Sixth Borough, in which his father responds with a shrug.
Oskar's father tells him the story of the Sixth Borough to show his son that an idea can't be too far fetched or too impractical. His father wants him be a creative and imaginative thinker and not shield him from his full potential. He also doesn't want him to get discourage for thinking differently. I think the moral of the story is to be passionate in what you believe in no matter what others think.
The story of The Sixth Borough was created by Oskar’s father in order to exercise his son’s imagination. I also think he did this to show Oskar that sometimes it’s the journey that pays off in the end, rather than the final solution. Another reason could be because he wanted to teach Oskar that persistence doesn’t always pay off, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it your best try. Oskar is a brilliant child whose brain is full to the brim with wonder and creativity. Oskar’s father knew this, no doubt, and wanted to give him something to make him investigate the world he lives in. Oskar is a unique kid, and because of this, he doesn’t exactly relate well with the kids at school. Oskar and his father were best friends, so he invented a mystery for them to solve together. He wanted his son to learn, smile while he could, and above all, enjoy life. Although it is possible that The Sixth Borough exists, I think the main idea here was to teach Oskar to have a flexible mind, and be open to new ideas and perspectives.
Oskar's father tells him the story of the sixth borough to show his son that no idea is impossible. Everything has a reason and a place for being there. The moral of the story is that anything is possible. The story goes that while the jumper was in the air between the two boroughs every New Yorker believed they had the ability of flight as well. This ties in with Oskar's earlier search because he found many small seemed to be random objects. The truth behind the objects is everything has a reason, even if it seems farfetched. The reason could be yours or someone else’s.
Oskar's father tells Oskar the story of the Sixth Borough to keep his son imagining things and to prove to him that nothing he can imagine is impossible. I agree with what Melanie said, that the story of the Sixth Borough is also told to demonstrate faith. You cannot prove that the Sixth Borough ever existed. At the same time, you cannot prove that the Sixth Borough didn't exist. This logic goes to show that you cannot base how you see the world on cold hard facts.
Oskar's father tells him the story of the sixth borough to show him nothing is out of his reach or impractical in his world. Oskar's father wants him to be a creative thinker and not to be limited to anything. I agree with those that said the moral is nothing is impossible until proven impossible. His father wanted Oskar to believe in what he wanted, to not limit his mind, and live in the moment. Some don't believe in the story and others do which goes along with the moral it portrays as to believe in what you want to believe and cherish what you choose to believe in.
Oskar's father told him the story of the Sixth Borough, mentioning that there's no definite evidence against its existence, so you can believe it's real if you want to; regardless with an outside opinion. I think that what Oskar's father was trying to convey was the fact that anything is possible if you want it to be. He wants him to be open-minded, question things, and make his own beliefs. I think this is also why Oskar isn't allowed to watch television or play video games. His father wanted him to have a good head on his shoulders, and an unbiased view of the world that was his own.
Oskar is told that people who were at one point content with their way of life even though they were transitioning into something far away from anyone else. Towards the end, a piece of the sixth borrow was taken out by everyone and became a huge part of the joy of New York. This story teaches to not to ignore an opportunity.
I am in agreement with most of my peers in regards to why Oskar’s father told him about the Sixth Borough. The reason Oskar’s father told him this story was to show him that anything can be possible. It could be possible for there to have been an island next to New York that had slowly started to drift away. It could have been possible for Central Park to have been a chunk that was ripped from that island and placed in New York. Or it could even be that that island drifted so far away it found itself in the Artic. Just because there was no official evidence of this mysterious island, doesn’t mean that it never existed. It could very well be possible, that is the point that Oskar’s father was trying to make to him, and so if Oskar grew up believing this to be true he might think that he himself would be able to do the impossible.
Oskar's father tells stories to Oskar to get his mind generating. Even though he tells Oskar to not interrupt, he knows Oskar will anyways. This excites his father because Oskar is so willing to learn and he wants to ask his Dad thousands of questions in one second. With stories that his father speaks, learning is done. in the stories his father would use words Oskar didn't know so that he could receive a definition that would stay with him for ever. or a moral value that will help him succeed in life. Really Oskar's fathers stories were a school of learning. Oskar needed these stories and I believe they helped through out his journey.
As described in earlier posts, Oskar's father told him the story of the Sixth Borough to show him that there is more to the world than what people may see. He does not Oskar to grow up with a limited perception of what is possible. This story shows him that you need to expand your gaze to see the unseeable. He wants Oskar to maintain an active imagination and view of the world that demonstrates optimism in the possibilities in life. His father understands how crucial keeping an open-mind to the things outside of the realistic realm is. This story is a great example of it, and how he only wanted Oskar to succeed in life.
Oskar’s father tells him that story to instill a sense of imagination in his son. While Oskar likes to invent, he doesn’t imagine like other little kids. Never do we see him making up some fun game, or playing an imaginary game. His father is teaching him that some of the best stories never happened. One of the morals of the story is that no matter how far apart two people can be, their love will never fade. The timing of the story was perfect, and really instilled that moral in Oskar. Just like the person in the story who put the “I love you” in the jar, despite the distance, Oskar’s love for his father never has to fade because of his death.
38 comments:
I believe that Oskar's father told him that story to give Oskar a since of wonder and that there is more than meets the eye. The smallest detail can mean something extraordinary. This story also showed Oskar the deference between optimism and pessimism. This was shown with the circumstantial evidence, like the hook holes, in central park, the crowning achievement of the sixth burrow. If you believe then your and optimist and if you think its fake then your a pessimist. In my opinion the moral of the story is that sometimes you can't stop things from happening, no matter how hard you try. This was shown by having people try to keep the sixth burrow in place, but to no avail.
I think Oskar's father told him the story of the Sixth Borough to show him that anything can be "real" if you want to believe it. Like he says, there's no definite evidence against the existence of the Sixth Borough, so you can believe it's real if you want to. He's basically telling Oskar that anything is possible if you want it to be. Which I feel is the mentality that the father has (and is the best kind of outlook to have.)
Oskar's father's story was told to give Oskar some perspective and show him that anything can be possible, it all depends on how you decide to look at it. When it comes to the Sixth Borough, however, there is no proof that disclaims that it ever was yet there are signs that people conclude to have been present because there was indeed a sixth borough. This is a lesson on having an open mind, I suppose. Keeping an open mind can open a world of wonder and opportunities.
I think that Oskar's dad told him the story to give him a lesson. This story is telling him that anything is possible if you believe and keep an open mind. When you keep an open, childlike mindset, you will be opened up to so many extraordinary things. His father also told him this story to make sure Oskar sticks to what he believes in. Even though their are people who don't believe in the Sixth Bourough, you still have to stick to what you believe. You must stay true to yourself and your beliefs, regardless of what others say.
Oskar's father told him the story of the Sixth Borough because he wanted to teach his son about life and people. He wanted his son to realize that people will not always agree and when they do not agree, they will look for evidence to prove that their point of view or their thought is correct. Just as with the part of the story about the long jumper. Many people offered their point of view as to why the long jumper's toe hit the water, including the long jumper himself. People will naturally look for evidence to support their point of view no matter how far fetched their idea may be. He wants his son to understand that he alone is responsible for choosing in what he believes. He wants Oskar to learn to form his own opinions about things based on what evidence he himself finds, including the items he dug up at Central Park. The items he dug up at Central Park could lead Oskar to form his own opinion of whether or not the Sixth Borough actually existed.
The story of the sixth borough has probably the most important value that a parent can teach a child: that of faith. Oskar's father suggested that it could be real, as long as his son maintained an optimistic point of view. Oskar bases everything he believes in off of cold, scientific fact. Oskar's father wants him to examine more than just the hard facts of life. The night of his father's story could not have been more timely. After finding that his father was dead, the scientific side of Oskar said that the only thing left of his father was the dust of his body that people breathed in that day. The scientific side of Oskar questions why they would give his dad a funeral if there wasn't even a body there. Oskar is saddened that a man so important to him as his father isn't on one of Mr. Black's cards, because nothing past what is tangible lives on, according to science. The reason Oskar is having such a hard time getting past is father's death is because the scientific part of his brain doesn't allow for faith. Oskar can't find peace because he doesn't think his dad found peace. Oskar is afraid of death because he doesn't want to be dust that people breath in and forget about.
Thomas Schell was trying to teach Oskar that he can blend imagination with facts to come up with his beliefs. Thomas states that there is no lasting evidence of a Sixth Borough, however he challenges Oskar to look at the clues in Manhattan's Central Park. Oskar's logical side would argue that there is no official written records that speak of this Sixth Borough, but he has to wonder, "The peculiar fossil record would make sense if it came from another landmass...". By combining Oskar's logic and imagination, Thomas is trying to show his son that a person does not have to be strictly a optimist /pessimist or a logically/imaginative person. He can use both of his sides to form opinions and beliefs. I think this can be applied to everyone. People doubt themselves when they find themselves believing something that goes against their normalcy, but what they need to recognize is they can sit on the fence- they don't have to take one side or another.
I agree with everyone who has commented so far; Oskar's father is definitely trying to teach Oskar about faith and the fact that people can choose what to believe in. However, I also found evidence of a sort of "sub-moral". I feel that Oskar's father told the story to show the benefits of openness to change as well as to new ideas. For instance, all of the New Yorkers tried ardently to prevent the Sixth Borough from floating away, despite the fact that they had been told that such an event was inevitable. In my opinion, they tried a bit too hard and, consequently, were that much more disappointed when their efforts failed; if they had come to accept reality sooner, they wouldn't have been in for such a letdown. Also, the story tells of many Sixth Borough residents who refused to move from their current homes, believing that the other New Yorkers were the ones who should be moving. As a result, they let themselves become isolated and lost all of their friends in New York without even saying goodbye. Two children, however, were not so defiant. They did not become angry about the situation, thus allowing themselves to bid each other a proper farewell before they were separated forever. Later on in the story, it is revealed that everything and everyone in the Sixth Borough is now frozen. I think this has a double meaning, that it is really eluding to the personalities of the people and what is inside of them. While most of the residents have been molded into sulky people who will forever carry a grudge and/or regret, that single boy is shown as someone who has something happy frozen inside of him. Because he and his friend released love instead of anger, he can now take the girl's love with him wherever he goes. Mindsets tend to have lasting effects on a person, and that is part of what Oskar's father is trying to tell him with this story.
Like everyone else stated, Thomas told Oskar this story to give him faith in things beyond science and to show him what it meant to be an optimist. I believe the author decided to put this chapter in here to give us a glimpse of what Oskar's belief system was like when his father was around and how it's like now without his father. Oskar's search in Central Park ties in here because from this story, we see Thomas's fanatical side. He uses an elaborate story to expose Oskar to the intangible. Maybe Thomas wants Oskar to find something and gain something more than an object in his search in Central Park. I can't help but think that the whole search for the lock to Oskar's key is similar. Maybe Oskar's dad simply wanted Oskar to meet new people, see how they live, and discover new things.
While I completely agree with what everyone has said about Oskar's father's reasoning I couldn't help but think of the grandmother and grandfather's relationship throughout the chapter. The grandmother would be Manhattan, she tried so hard to get the grandfather (Sixth Borough) to stay even though she knew that inevitably he would leave her. The grandfather (Sixth Borough) could see the path they were going down but was to stubborn to believe that their relationship was going to end. In other words, he "refused to move". Then with the story of the two friends with the string-and-tin-can-phone, as time went on they became more and more distant and added more and more string (with the grandparents it was rules and nothing places instead of string) until the girl said "I love you" and the boy "put her love for him on a shelf". Also when Oskar's father told him the Sixth Borough ended up in Antarctica, all I could think of was how the grandfather ended up alone in Dresden frozen in the past and haunted by its memories. I don't know maybe I'm just over-reading into what was said.
I think everyone who has posted basically interprets the story in the same way. I believe that Oskar was told this story so that he could open up his mind to the idea of a God, or as Heli put it, "to give him faith in things beyond science." But even beyond this, I believe the moral of the story was that everyone has to learn to let go of things. I believe Oskar's father saw how many things he keeps close to his heart, and how he keeps them there for a very long time. Oskar’s father knew that this could be a bad thing and didn't want Oskar to never let go of the pain or emotions. The story was probably also symbolizing how Oskar had to learn to let go of things that would be hard to. Things like his dad; just like how the girl and boy in the story were forced to break apart from each other even though they loved each other. Basically, the moral of the story was to simply let go. It’s okay to have memories, but don’t let the loss of something or someone take you away from other important things in your life.
I agree with what everyone above is saying completely, but I think that this story may also have led Oskar to keep the phone hidden and to himself when his father died. In the story it talks of two people who liked each other and would communicate through the string and can phone and when the boy knew he was going to be gone and there wasn't anyway he'd be able to stop it he asked the girl to say I love you into the phone and when she did he put a lid on the can so that could always be the phrase stuck in the can that would stay there and wouldn't be ruined by anything else. I believe Oskar subconsciously remembered this and that's why he took the phone so that, even though his father doesn't directly say it you can feel it in his voice, he could always have his dad's version of I love you with him.
Thomas Schell was trying to teach Oskar a lesson while using the mythical sixth borough as an example. Thomas explained how great the place was and why it had to go. The people of New York tried to save it but couldn't and the people of the sixth borough didn't want to leave. The moral his father was trying to tell him was to cherish the moment and hang on to the present. However, you must be willing to let go as time passes until the time to leave can no longer be delayed. Another lesson that Thomas explained to Oskar is believing. Oskar holds to this notion that science must prove everything for there to be existence while his father encourages him to believe in something even if there appears to be no proof. According to Thomas, Central Park used to be in the middle of the sixth borough. This may explain as to why Oskar searches there. He is looking for remnants of the sixth borough.
Although everyone seems to agree with each other, I have to disagree. I think that Oskars father told him the story as a representation of history because not everything has proof of its existence. For example the disappence of Amelia Earhart and the plane she flew. There is no evidence that her plane crashed and she could be at the bottom of the ocean. She could have landed on a island and lived a happy life. Its only real if you believe it is and I think that's what Oskars dad was trying to teach him in the story. I also have another theory that the story was just another way to bond with him like the game that they made up because he only told Oskar the story because hr kept looking in central park for clues to the never ending game that they played.
Although everyone seems to agree with each other, I have to disagree. I think that Oskars father told him the story as a representation of history because not everything has proof of its existence. For example the disappence of Amelia Earhart and the plane she flew. There is no evidence that her plane crashed and she could be at the bottom of the ocean. She could have landed on a island and lived a happy life. Its only real if you believe it is and I think that's what Oskars dad was trying to teach him in the story. I also have another theory that the story was just another way to bond with him like the game that they made up because he only told Oskar the story because hr kept looking in central park for clues to the never ending game that they played.
I think the Sixth Borough story was shared to Oskar so he would believe that anything is possible or could be real whether it lacks logic or not. Anything can be real or meaningful if you believe in it enough. I think the moral of the story is to believe in what you want and stay passionate about it whether or not there is logical evidence of it or not. I think he is also trying to hint t him that there is more to believe other than science as Heli said earlier, which he has a point. It's important to try and believe in other things despite logistics or other peoples opinions which is exactly what Oskar's dad was telling him.
He tells Oskar of people who were content with their way of life even if they were slowly moving away from everyone else. At the end everyone helped to take out a piece of the sixth borough that became the pride and joy of New York. This chunk of land becomes Central Park. The purpose of the story is not to pass up something because it seems far fetched and look around and see the clues.
I agree with what others have stated above, that the story of the sixth borough was to show the idea of faith. As well as the thought that being passionate can really oppen the eyes to some very strong lessons. I think this story was to show Oskar that you have to just brush off what everyone else thinks. That the ideas of one's self are the mist importabt because in the end, the person that they have the most impact on is themselves.
Oskar's father tells him the story of the Sixth Borough because it shows how things can be very complicated, but possible. How the smallest of details can lead to a bigger picture. I think there were also morals involved here as well. His father was telling him that nothing lasts forever and enjoy life while you have it. Live in the moment and don't wait for life to happen before you waste it all away.
Oskar's father tells him the story of the Sixth Borough to essentially show that anything is possible. The moral of the story is that since there is no real evidence against the existence of the Sixth Borough, that it is real if you would like to believe that it is real. It ties in with the idea of being an open minded human. Having faith along with an open mind allows anything to be possible.
Oskar’s father tells him the story of the sixth Borough to try to open his eyes to things he may not expect. The moral of the story is, anything is possible unless it is proven impossible, which effects how Oskar thinks all the way to the end of the book.
I found the story of The Sixth Borough to be quite interesting and creative though obviously far-fetched. But the story had two great morals behind it. Many other students brought up the moral of anything can be real if you believe that it can be real. I thought to mention a different moral that I found.
I thought it was interesting to see that all the people of New York City loved and marveled the long jumper as he jumped the East River. “For the few moments that the jumper was in the air, every New Yorker felt capable of flight.” His jumps evoked admiration and inspiration. Yet the moment his toe sent ripples at the edge of the bank, the people lost faith and sought speculations against the jumper. They all assumed it was the jumper’s fault; he ate too much; he had a bad start; he’s past his prime; his heart wasn’t in it. They were so fast to speculate against him, even though it was the Sixth Borough’s movement that resulted in the touching of the water. They were quick to denounce the jumper because they were close minded; they didn’t think it could’ve been any other factors.
The moral of the story is believing in the unseen, or in other words, having faith that something is there when it cannot be proven. As shown through the "jumper", the people of Manhattan all "felt capable of flight" & "believed" he could do it. I found this story somewhat hypocritical because Oskar's father is said to be an atheist. Interesting enough a synonym for atheist is "non-believer".. so then why would he be telling Oskar to belief in things when he does not?
Earlier in the novel Oskar had been traveling around central park with his grandmother and a metal detector, so when he heard about the 6th borough, Oskar thought the items he had found had a correlation to the lost borough.
Just as a side note, I thought the way they moved central park was comical... especially in the sheer fact that children were still playing when they transported it.
Oskar's father is trying to show him that anything can exist as long as we use our imagination to its highest capability. His father states that if there is no evidence against it in not being real, then why should you think that it couldn't be real. I agree with Steven in what he states about his father's mentality and trying to pass it on to Oskar, to make him more innovative and imaginative. I also believe that Oskar's father is trying to also teach him that if you can dream it, then anything in this world can be yours as long as you put your mind to it.
Oskar's father tells him the story of the Sixth Borough to teach him that anything can be real, even the most absurd ideas, as long as you choose to believe. The moral of the actual story though is that some things happen that just can't be stopped. People tried everything they could think of to stop the Sixth Borough from drifting away but the loss of the Borough was inevitable. All they could do was accept it. The idea of the Sixth Borough tied in with Oskar's earlier search in Central Park because he thinks some of the things he found could have been from the Sixth Borough, in which his father responds with a shrug.
Oskar's father tells him the story of the Sixth Borough to show his son that an idea can't be too far fetched or too impractical. His father wants him be a creative and imaginative thinker and not shield him from his full potential. He also doesn't want him to get discourage for thinking differently. I think the moral of the story is to be passionate in what you believe in no matter what others think.
The story of The Sixth Borough was created by Oskar’s father in order to exercise his son’s imagination. I also think he did this to show Oskar that sometimes it’s the journey that pays off in the end, rather than the final solution. Another reason could be because he wanted to teach Oskar that persistence doesn’t always pay off, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it your best try. Oskar is a brilliant child whose brain is full to the brim with wonder and creativity. Oskar’s father knew this, no doubt, and wanted to give him something to make him investigate the world he lives in. Oskar is a unique kid, and because of this, he doesn’t exactly relate well with the kids at school. Oskar and his father were best friends, so he invented a mystery for them to solve together. He wanted his son to learn, smile while he could, and above all, enjoy life. Although it is possible that The Sixth Borough exists, I think the main idea here was to teach Oskar to have a flexible mind, and be open to new ideas and perspectives.
Oskar's father tells him the story of the sixth borough to show his son that no idea is impossible. Everything has a reason and a place for being there. The moral of the story is that anything is possible. The story goes that while the jumper was in the air between the two boroughs every New Yorker believed they had the ability of flight as well. This ties in with Oskar's earlier search because he found many small seemed to be random objects. The truth behind the objects is everything has a reason, even if it seems farfetched. The reason could be yours or someone else’s.
Oskar's father tells Oskar the story of the Sixth Borough to keep his son imagining things and to prove to him that nothing he can imagine is impossible. I agree with what Melanie said, that the story of the Sixth Borough is also told to demonstrate faith. You cannot prove that the Sixth Borough ever existed. At the same time, you cannot prove that the Sixth Borough didn't exist. This logic goes to show that you cannot base how you see the world on cold hard facts.
Oskar's father tells him the story of the sixth borough to show him nothing is out of his reach or impractical in his world. Oskar's father wants him to be a creative thinker and not to be limited to anything. I agree with those that said the moral is nothing is impossible until proven impossible. His father wanted Oskar to believe in what he wanted, to not limit his mind, and live in the moment. Some don't believe in the story and others do which goes along with the moral it portrays as to believe in what you want to believe and cherish what you choose to believe in.
Oskar's father told him the story of the Sixth Borough, mentioning that there's no definite evidence against its existence, so you can believe it's real if you want to; regardless with an outside opinion. I think that what Oskar's father was trying to convey was the fact that anything is possible if you want it to be. He wants him to be open-minded, question things, and make his own beliefs. I think this is also why Oskar isn't allowed to watch television or play video games. His father wanted him to have a good head on his shoulders, and an unbiased view of the world that was his own.
Oskar is told that people who were at one point content with their way of life even though they were transitioning into something far away from anyone else. Towards the end, a piece of the sixth borrow was taken out by everyone and became a huge part of the joy of New York. This story teaches to not to ignore an opportunity.
I am in agreement with most of my peers in regards to why Oskar’s father told him about the Sixth Borough. The reason Oskar’s father told him this story was to show him that anything can be possible. It could be possible for there to have been an island next to New York that had slowly started to drift away. It could have been possible for Central Park to have been a chunk that was ripped from that island and placed in New York. Or it could even be that that island drifted so far away it found itself in the Artic. Just because there was no official evidence of this mysterious island, doesn’t mean that it never existed. It could very well be possible, that is the point that Oskar’s father was trying to make to him, and so if Oskar grew up believing this to be true he might think that he himself would be able to do the impossible.
Oskar's father tells stories to Oskar to get his mind generating. Even though he tells Oskar to not interrupt, he knows Oskar will anyways. This excites his father because Oskar is so willing to learn and he wants to ask his Dad thousands of questions in one second. With stories that his father speaks, learning is done. in the stories his father would use words Oskar didn't know so that he could receive a definition that would stay with him for ever. or a moral value that will help him succeed in life. Really Oskar's fathers stories were a school of learning. Oskar needed these stories and I believe they helped through out his journey.
As described in earlier posts, Oskar's father told him the story of the Sixth Borough to show him that there is more to the world than what people may see. He does not Oskar to grow up with a limited perception of what is possible. This story shows him that you need to expand your gaze to see the unseeable. He wants Oskar to maintain an active imagination and view of the world that demonstrates optimism in the possibilities in life. His father understands how crucial keeping an open-mind to the things outside of the realistic realm is. This story is a great example of it, and how he only wanted Oskar to succeed in life.
Oskar’s father tells him that story to instill a sense of imagination in his son. While Oskar likes to invent, he doesn’t imagine like other little kids. Never do we see him making up some fun game, or playing an imaginary game. His father is teaching him that some of the best stories never happened. One of the morals of the story is that no matter how far apart two people can be, their love will never fade. The timing of the story was perfect, and really instilled that moral in Oskar. Just like the person in the story who put the “I love you” in the jar, despite the distance, Oskar’s love for his father never has to fade because of his death.
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