Chapter 46, Thirty Summary

The chapter opens in the mental asylum where Oskar is celebrating his 30th birthday with Maria, Klepp and Vittlar. During the celebration, Oskar receives joyous news: the police are reopening the investigation into Sister Dorothea's death. They have uncovered a new suspect, the nurse's friend Sister Beata. Oskar tries to imagine what he will do if freed from the asylum, but he is uncertain.

Two years ago, when Vittlar first set the police on Oskar, our diminutive hero fled. Dr. Dtzsch had long hoped Oskar would perform in the United States, so Oskar decides to head there. He gets as far as the Maison Blanche Metro station in Paris before he is apprehended by the police. Oskar tells them "Ich Bin Jesus - I am Jesus."

Chapter 46, Thirty Analysis

Oskar is gladdened by the prospect of exoneration and release from the...