Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close: Analysis of Major Characters
"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" features a range of complex characters navigating themes of grief, loss, and connection in the aftermath of tragedy. Oskar Schell, a brilliant nine-year-old, grapples with the death of his father in the September 11 attacks, exhibiting signs of anxiety and depression while employing his creativity and intelligence to cope. His grandfather, known as "Grandpa," is a silent figure haunted by his own past traumas from World War II, utilizing notebooks to communicate, while his struggles with loss lead to strained relationships.
Oskar's mother strives to support him, balancing her own grief with her desire to give him space, though her budding romance with Ron complicates their dynamic. The deceased father, Thomas Schell Jr., is remembered fondly as a playful and inventive parent, leaving behind messages that resonate deeply with Oskar. Other significant characters include Mr. Black, Oskar’s neighbor, who becomes a mentor and friend, and various members of the Black family who contribute to Oskar's journey of discovery. Each character's unique background and experiences reflect the broader narrative of coping with loss and the search for understanding and connection amidst pain.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Jonathan Safran Foer
First published: 2005
Genre: Novel
Locale: Primarily in New York City, but with scenes in Germany
Plot: Narrative
Time: World War II through 2003
Oskar Schell, an incredibly intelligent and precocious nine-year-old whose his father died in the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Following this loss, he is prone to anxiety and depression, which he calls “heavy boots.” His intelligence is matched by his imagination, and he is quick to come up with inventions and elaborate conceits for everyday problems. He regularly writes letters to his idols, such as Jane Goodall and Stephen Hawking, and makes friends with adults easily even as he struggles to connect with those his own age. He considers himself a pacifist. In order to deal with the profound sadness he feels at his father's death, he comes up with a number of strategies, including keeping secrets from his mother and embarking on long adventures, although over time he increasingly realizes that he must try to accept the loss.
Thomas Schell Sr., “Grandpa,” Oskar's grandfather who does not speak. After losing the love of his life, Anna, and their unborn child in the Dresden bombings of World War II, he moves to the United States and slowly loses his ability to speak. He writes to others through notebooks and has YES and NO tattooed on his hands. He enjoys sculpting and keeping a large number of pets. Eventually, he marries Anna's younger sister, although his inability to talk about the tragedy of Anna's death eventually compels him to abandon her. When he first meets Oskar, he must pretend to be a stranger who is renting a room from Oskar's grandmother. Despite leaving his wife, he does care for her in his own way and returns to her later in life.
Mom, Oskar's mother who occupies herself with work while trying to care for her troubled child. She prefers to let Oskar deal with the loss in his own way but tries to support him still, calling all the New Yorkers with the surname Black before he contacts them to ensure that the strangers will be kind to her child. Although she promises Oskar she will not fall in love after his father's death, she does begin to spend time with another man, Ron. She is often hurt when Oskar views her as his antagonist but responds with compassion as best she can.
Thomas Schell Jr., “Dad,” Oskar's deceased father. He died in the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City and left a series of messages on the answering machine for his family. Kind and playful, he had a deep bond with Oskar and would often invent games and stories that challenged his son to develop his remarkable creativity and intelligence further.
Grandma, Oskar's grandmother, who moved to New York from Dresden, Germany. After moving to the United States, she puts great effort into learning about the culture, although her life becomes more difficult when she is abandoned by her husband while pregnant. She lives near Oskar and talks to him by walkie-talkie. She is very kind and does her best to provide her grandson with a happy life.
Mr. Black, Oskar's upstairs neighbor who wears an eye patch and a beret. He and Oskar become friends when Oskar attempts to meet every person surnamed Black in the city. After Oskar fixes his hearing aid, Mr. Black regains his interest in being a part of the broader world, joining the boy on his investigations. He collects curious objects from around the world and warms quickly to new people. He considers Oskar a son.
Anna, Thomas Schell Sr.'s first love. She is very close to her sister, Oskar's grandmother, sharing a bed with her many nights. She and Thomas share a youthful, reckless, and romantic love, resulting in a pregnancy, although she dies during the Dresden bombings before the baby is born.
Abby Black, a strikingly attractive forty-eight-year-old woman. She is kind to Oskar and welcomes him into her home, although resentment she feels toward her former husband prevents her from telling him the entire truth about the key Oskar is researching.
William Black, the former husband of Abby who eventually reveals the truth of the key to Oskar and whose father has also died.
Ron, the friend and apparent romantic interest of Oskar's mother. His entire family died in a car accident, prompting him to join a grief-counseling group at which he met Oskar's mother. He tries to show warmth to Oskar but also respects the distance that the boy seems to need.
Dr. Fein, the therapist working with Oskar who believes that Oskar should probably be hospitalized because of the extremity of his depression.