Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- How does the first line of this book affect your reading of Oskar's story?
- Why do you think Oskar is so obsessed with his tin drum?
- Why does Grass use a drum as Oskar's instrument instead of something else?
- How does Oskar use his childish appearance to his advantage?
- How does knowing about the author's service in the SS affect your reading of the novel?
- What's the purpose of all the grotesque imagery in the novel?
- Why do you think Oskar's mother kills herself?
- If you were a bookstore owner, what genre would you classify The Tin Drum under? (Remember that "Weird" is not a genre.)
- What makes Oskar decide to start growing again?
- How many minutes would your parents allow you to bang on a toy drum before throwing you out of the house?