Mr. Black shares his wisdom and advice with Oskar to help him with coping with his father's death, ultimately helping him on his journey ahead. Mr. Black shares information and wisdom with Oskar to help him on his journey and to find the lock. Oskar’s loss of his father leads him to depression and isolation from society, leading Mr. Black to telling him that “So many people enter and leave your life! Hundreds of thousands a of people! You have to keep the door open so they can come in! But it also means you have to let them go!” (153). Mr. Black’s advice does not mean that Oskar has to let go of the memory of his father but accept his death. Oskar’s acceptance of his dad’s death and keeping the door open to new people allows for friendship, encouragement, and aid leading to a successful journey. …show more content…
Black is able to help Oskar on his journey in more than one way. Mr. Black is able to give Oskar advice for his journey narrowing his search by saying ‘Do you know what this opens?’ ‘Don't think so!’ He hollered. ‘Maybe you knew my dad?’ ‘Who was your dad!’ ‘His name is Thomas Schell. He lived in 5A until he died.’ ‘No,’ he said, ‘that name doesn't ring a bell!’” (156). Oskar is disappointed but this information but it is able eliminate one Black from his search. The conversation between the two eventually turns into a connection between the two because of the similar experiences shared in their lives. Mr. Black realized this connection and empathizes with Oskar which leads him to say “‘Do you want to help me?’ ‘Excuse me!’ ‘With the key.’ ‘Help you!’ ‘You could go around with me.’ ‘You want my help!’ ‘Yes.’” (164), showing that sometime in the future Mr. Black is going to help Oskar on his journey to find what he is looking