A Guide to Berlin Study Guide

The author, who is also the narrator, tells the reader that he has visited a zoo this morning and is going to a pub to meet a friend. He shares with his friend the details of his day, including utility pipes, streetcars and other matters. The narrator begins the discussion of these matters by describing a network of black utility pipes that is being constructed close to his home. When the pipes were unloaded a few days ago, the neighborhood boys immediately converged on them and used the pipes extensively in their adventures. Now the novelty of the pipes has worn off for the boys, and the only thing holding onto the black pipes in a fresh dusting of snow, into which someone has written the name "Otto." The author is struck by the beauty of the two o's forming perfectly shaped bookends to the word in the snow. (read more)