“The vast majority of the universe is composed of dark matter. The fragile balance depends on things we'll never be able to see, hear, smell, taste, or touch. Life itself depends on them. What's real? What isn't real? Maybe those aren't the right questions to be asking. What does life depend on?” (305).
Stephen Hawking writes a letter to Oskar Schell, where he considers the meaning and purpose of life. This excerpt adds to the blurred lines of the novel, as it is unclear whether Hawking actually sent the letter- both because it answers questions relating to Oskar’s own feelings of futility so well, and because it seems slightly unrealistic that such an event would occur. Regardless, it is important that these concepts are presented from the point of view of Stephen Hawking, because he is a figure Oskar respects and reveres. Like Oskar, Hawking considers the insignificance of life. However, Hawking poses Oskar with a question that has gone untouched for much of the novel, up to this moment. Hawking states that while it is important to question what is or isn’t real, a more important question may be: why is life important? This comment is surprising since it comes from one of the most significant scientific revolutionaries of the 21st century, and deals more with feelings rather than formulaic thought. Moreover, this also forces Oskar to reach outside of his opinion that life is virtually pointless and instead consider: why should life be treasured, despite its uncertainty and seeming insignificance? Hawking serves as a model for Oskar, that despite being a smart, formulaic, and analytical thinker, it is important to value your emotions just as strongly as your critical thoughts. Hawking shows Oskar that life depends most on emotions, and your outlook- despite the fact that you can’t see, hear, smell, or touch them. This helps to alter Oskar’s perspective and causes a shift in the novel. From this point forward, Oskar’s perspective is slightly changed, and he becomes more open about his emotions to people like his mother.