The key and the search function to help Oskar survive the loss of his father by occupying him with the search for meaning. It is altogether a more fruitful or at least less lengthy search than those of his grandparents. It is also more proactive than his mother's search, which begins with denial.

The key is also symbolic of the new connections that Oskar forms in his search. In searching, the void is filled not so much by the final achievement as also by the accomplishments along the way. In addition to learning more about his family in general while also making new friends in the process, Oskar makes closer connections with his living relatives. In this way, his father's memory serves to reaffirm life rather than the tragedy of death. Contrary to what Oskar and his grandmother initially believe, neither life nor death is meaningless. Both convey a deeper...
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