Question

His tuxedo was over the chair he used to sit on when he tied his shoes, and I thought, Weird. Why wasn’t it hung up with his suits? Had he come from a fancy party the night before he died? But then why would he have taken off his tuxedo without hanging it up? Maybe it needed to be cleaned? But I didn’t remember a fancy party. I remembered him tucking me in....

How does the narration affect the story in this excerpt?
Oskar’s memories introduce the use of symbolism.
Oskar’s slang characterizes him as relaxed and casual.
Oskar’s attempts to recall the events build suspense.
Oskar’s rapid questioning foreshadows his panic.

Answer 1

Oskar’s attempts to recall the events build suspense.

His stream of questions and fragmented memories (the tuxedo, the missing party, then the sudden memory of being tucked in) create uncertainty and tension for the reader, making us wonder what actually happened. The passage is more about puzzling through clues than using slang, clear symbolism, or immediately showing panic.