Sara Pascoe answers “When Oswald stages the library caper to...”

DuckyEGG asked this question about Oswald the Almost Famous Opossum:

When Oswald stages the library caper to chase fame, what details in his thoughts and actions show how his dream strains and also depends on his friendship with Joey and Melvin? You can track this from the kitchen plan through the library encounter and Animal Control pickup? (Ch. 1–3)

Sara Pascoe Dear old Oswald reveals his overdeveloped ego, combined with his physical nervousness and dependence on both Joey, the ten-year-old boy, and Melvin, t…moreDear old Oswald reveals his overdeveloped ego, combined with his physical nervousness and dependence on both Joey, the ten-year-old boy, and Melvin, the cat, throughout Chapters 1-3 and beyond. For instance, when the three are readying to leave the house for the first caper in the book, Oswald questions Joey’s choice of towel he used to line the bicycle basket, combining his narcissism with his genuine trepidations about this adventurous plan.

But Oswald is also capable of pushing beyond his own fear and needs for his two best friends.

“Oswald could tell Joey, too, was in the zone; boy and bicycle were one seamless machine. They had been so helpful with Oswald’s endeavors. They should have their fun, too, he reasoned. He turned forward, gripped the basket, and closed his eyes.”

In Chapter 2, again, we see a mix of Oswald’s ego and fear that Joey helps, and Melvin, prods him through as they set up for the caper. But then, other circumstances, and people get into the mix:

“We did already, a kazillion times, remember?” Melvin said, eyes narrowed. It was all Oswald could do not to point out his poor word choice.

“Oswald, relax,” Joey called out. “The clip can hold up to—”

“Stop right there.” A flashlight beam swirled through the tree, then rested on Joey.

Eventually, in Chapter 3, Darnell, the Animal Control Officer (and not the man with the flashlight above), collects Oswald after this most recent failed attempt at fame. Oswald is a repeat nuisance to Darnell. Darnell is a friend and colleague in Oswald’s mind. Like Melvin the cat, we see Darnell’s strained tolerance mixed with affection, as evidenced by their referring to past interactions.

“Did you see what I was reading? Don’t forget to put that in your report. It’s perfect for the weekly newspaper report.”

“Yeah, perfect.”

There was a moment of quiet between them. The van rumbled down the road.

“Might you have any donuts, Darnell?”

Darnell didn’t answer but drove on.

“Any lemon custard by chance?” Oswald persisted.

Oswald blindly replicates this combination of being endearing and annoying through many of his relationships, until his drive for fame drives everyone he cares about away, and he inadvertently ruins Joey’s life.

Well, now, that’s food for thought, indeed, and might even inspire a fellow to do something different.(less)

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Oswald the Almost Famous Opossum

by Sara Pascoe (Goodreads Author)

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