Chapter 28, The Imitation of Christ Summary

Matzerath is so delighted to see Oskar that he bursts into tears, and Oskar begins to call himself Oskar Matzerath occasionally, instead of exclusively Oskar Bronski. Oskar's unexplained disappearance has caused quite a stir. Both his father and Maria had to go to the police station and sign statements swearing that they didn't kill him. Now, his unexplained reappearance is equally inconvenient. The Board of Health wants Oskar confined to an institution, but Matzerath refuses. Nevertheless, the Board sends letters every two weeks requesting that Matzerath commit Oskar to an asylum.

The next day, Kurt proceeds to demolish his birthday presents, including a large yellow ball, a red sweater, a top with a whip, and a sailboat. Oskar proudly presents his son with a drum. He imagines them drumming together in perfect happiness in the...