A Case Study Of Oskar Schell In J. S. Foer's Novel "Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close"

Table of Contents

1 J. S. Foer and the theme of 9/11 in literature

2 Plot synopsis

3 Theory of Oskar's possible mental disorders

3. 1 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

3. 2 Autism Spectrum Disorder

3. 3 Depression

4 Oskar's character

5 Oskar's mental state

5. 1 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

5. 2 Autism Spectrum Disorder

5. 3 Depression

5. 4 Diagnosis

Objectives and Scope

This thesis aims to conduct an intensive case study of the fictional character Oskar Schell from Jonathan Safran Foer's novel Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, specifically examining his psychological profile and mental state in the aftermath of his father's death during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

• Analysis of Oskar Schell's personality through a psychological lens.
• Evaluation of symptoms related to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Assessment of traits associated with autism spectrum disorder.
• Investigation into manifestations of clinical depression.
• Determination of a potential hypothetical diagnosis for the protagonist.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1 J. S. Foer and the theme of 9/11 in literature: Provides biographical information about the author and discusses the scholarly reception of the novel as a piece of post-9/11 literature.

2 Plot synopsis: Outlines the narrative structure of the book, focusing on the three main storylines involving Oskar, his grandfather, and his grandmother.

3 Theory of Oskar's possible mental disorders: Introduces basic psychological definitions of PTSD, autism spectrum disorder, and depression as frameworks for analyzing the protagonist.

4 Oskar's character: Analyzes the traits of the protagonist, highlighting his atypical intellectual attributes and social behaviors.

5 Oskar's mental state: Evaluates the psychological health of Oskar through an empirical demonstration of his behaviors and emotional responses.

5. 1 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Examines evidence of trauma, specifically regarding the unanswered phone calls from his father.

5. 2 Autism Spectrum Disorder: Discusses Oskar's high intelligence and unconventional interpersonal behaviors in the context of the autism spectrum.

5. 3 Depression: Explores Oskar's melancholic nature and his concept of wearing "heavy boots" as a metaphor for his depressive state.

5. 4 Diagnosis: Synthesizes the evidence to provide a hypothetical psychological assessment of the character while acknowledging the limitations of diagnosing fiction.

Keywords

Case study, Trauma, 9/11, PTSD, Autism, Asperger's syndrome, Depression, Oskar Schell, Jonathan Safran Foer, Mental state, Psychology, Character analysis, Grief, Behavioral patterns, Comorbidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this thesis?

This work is a case study of the fictional character Oskar Schell, aimed at analyzing his mental state and exploring potential psychological disorders he may be exhibiting.

Which mental disorders are specifically examined?

The study focuses on three primary conditions: posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism spectrum disorder, and clinical depression.

What is the research goal regarding Oskar's personality?

The goal is to analyze whether Oskar's behaviors, which some might consider eccentric or abnormal, align with recognized symptoms of the aforementioned mental disorders.

What methodology is employed in this research?

The author uses a qualitative analysis approach, contrasting textual excerpts from the novel with definitions and theories sourced from psychological handbooks, specifically the DSM-V.

What does the main body of the work cover?

The main body is divided into theoretical and practical sections, covering the author's intent, the plot, definitions of illnesses, and a chapter-by-chapter application of these theories to Oskar's narrative.

Which keywords best characterize this work?

Key terms include Case study, Trauma, PTSD, Autism, Depression, Oskar Schell, and Jonathan Safran Foer.

How does Oskar cope with his trauma in the novel?

Oskar demonstrates various coping mechanisms, such as his "Reconnaissance Expedition," creating a scrapbook, and eventually, a subtle shift in perspective toward the end of the narrative.

What is the significance of the "heavy boots" metaphor?

The term "heavy boots" is used by Oskar to describe his feelings of depression, paralysis, and the immense weight of his grief following his father's death.

Does the author conclude that Oskar is definitely mentally ill?

The thesis concludes that while evidence for PTSD and depression is strong, diagnosing a fictional character remains subjective and open to multiple interpretations.