The narrative heavily addresses suicide. Is the desire to end one’s life seen as a weakness or a moment of empowerment in Ove’s eyes? Provide concrete examples to support your position.

Ove claims that he is not bitter: “People had always said that Ove was ‘bitter.’ But he wasn’t bloody bitter. He just didn’t go around grinning the whole time. Did that mean one had to be treated like a criminal?” (284). Make a case for whether Ove is bitter or not, using three concrete examples from the text.

The topic of aging is prevalent throughout the narrative, which Rune and Anita’s respective ailments and deteriorating conditions highlight. How does Ove’s fear of “losing control” (189) relate to aging?