The Tin Drum

Oskar receives a red and white toy drum, made of tin, as a gift on his third birthday. Oskar immediately begins drumming as a form of communication, recreation, companionship and to keep adults at a distance. Oskar continues to drum, wearing out each drum in a few weeks.

Skat Cards

Albert Matzerath, his wife Agnes, and her lover Jan Bronski love to play skat together. The game symbolizes their strange three-way relationship. The Queen of Hearts symbolizes Agnes Matzerath, beloved by both men as well as her son Oskar. The Seven of Spades, an unlucky card, comes to symbolize Jan Bronski, who is holding the card when he is executed.

The Finger

According to Oskar's account, he finds a mysterious severed ring finger while walking along the Rhine with a borrowed rottweiler named Lux. The woman's finger still wears an aquamarine ring. Oskar never considers...