As Oskar endures the task of finding the mystery lock while simultaneously making sense of himself and the death of his father, he finds himself experiencing a symphony of emotions. Foer's selection of the phrase "heavy boots," attacks the reader's senses, while depicting Oskar's moments of confusion, sadness, and depression.
When dissected, the phrase “heavy boots” seems redundant. Boots are typically heavy shoes that are worn in harsh weather, or when climbing or hiking on rocky, or uneven, ground. By choosing the word “heavy,” Foer wanted the reader to imagine trudging through deep snow or mud, as opposed to simply wearing boots. Utilizing an everyday cliché, a person will usually describe someone who is experiencing negative emotions as having “weight on their shoulders.” Foer transfers this weight to Oskar’s feet, to show that these emotions prevent him from moving forward in his goal to understand his father’s death, as opposing to merely being weighed down.
A person typically wears boots when they are aware and prepared for inclement weather. Oskar “wears heavy boots,” when he knows that a negative emotion or incident could hold him back, but plans to trudge through, regardless.
This phrase parallels other ideas in the story such as Oskar’s bruises, which are self-destructive. Oskar, himself, holds the power to “put on” much more comfortable shoes, however, he can no longer expect someone else to come along and untie his shoes for him. I think it’s interesting that Oskar did not wear his boots during an incredibly disappointing part of the story: when he finds out what the lock actually opens. This shows Oskar’s growth as an individual: he no longer needs to punish himself for things in life that he cannot control.
The boots contrast the presence of flight and birds in the story. As Oskar is held down by the presence of these boots, he finds himself afraid of heights. The disappearance of Oskar’s boots signals his ability to break free from the stress and pressure he placed on himself, and fly.
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6 comments:
I really liked your explanation of heavy boots. I agree that the expression is used to make a physical reference for the reader to refer to and visualize so that they can see just how upset and held back Oskar really was. Just stating the fact the Oskar was upset really does not bring to mind any vivid images, in other words, saying that he was upset just doesn’t cut it. I also liked how you mentioned Oskar’s coming of age at the end and how because of it, he no longer needed to wear heavy boots. He outgrew the phase where he needed to blame himself for everything that went wrong, and was able to grow into a strong individual.
Thanks for the comment :] You are right: saying he was upset definitely does not cut it. I think it's interesting that Foer also chooses to repeat the phrase "I'm OK." It's such a nondescriptive phrase in comparison to "heavy boots." Maybe Foer is suggesting that Oskar's emotions are so much stronger and deeper than what he conveys to those around him. "I'm OK" is merely a programmed response, that he probably put little thought and effort behind. Maybe Foer is suggesting that it's the things we say that get us by each day, but it's what we feel that holds us back.
Hey! I really enjoyed your explanation of "heavy boots" and your parallel to the theme of flight. As the story goes on Oskar talks less and less about the things that drag him down like his "boots" and bruises. He faces his fear of heights as he begins to "find himself" in a sense. He frees himself of the regret he feels over his father's death as he begins to understand the fact that his dad isn't coming back regardless of the pain he puts on himself or the dreams he has in his head. Actually I think the word would more be "accept" than understand because Oskar slowly transitions to a more "this is the way it is and is going to be" attitude whereas he used to have more of a "this is the way it should be" attitude.
Hey me! I totally agree that Oskar becomes more accepting as opposed to understanding. I do not think anyone can truly understand the tragedies in their life. However, I do think Oskar becomes a bit more understanding. The scene where he digs up his father's coffin in symbolic of how he comes to term with his loss, and understands that tragedies, for whatever reason, occur, and we turn to the ones we love to make it through. Eventhough Oskar's father's body is no present in the coffin, Oskar understands his loss and accepts how his life must change accordingly.
I just love the whole thing! I agree with you all the way!!
Be-a-u-ti-ful! :)
I put off reading this because I was a little leary of the 911 connection. I am so glad that I got it. The relationships are complicated and simple. The completely different perspectives are beautifully done. I think the writer and the nareators did a masterful job. LOVED this book.
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