Final answer:
Oskar's father told the story of the "sixth borough" to inspire Oskar, offering an allegory that reinforces their bond and underscores the importance of valuing relationships and imagination in the face of loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oskar's father shared the story of the "sixth borough" with his son to inspire him. This tale from the novel Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer serves as an allegory, offering Oskar a sense of wonder and possibility. The story provides a metaphorical bridge between Oskar and his father, encapsulating themes of connection and separation. The mythical sixth borough, once part of New York City, is said to have drifted away; its narrative reminds Oskar and readers about the importance of cherishing relationships and time.
The imaginative tale is not meant to be a literal educational account of history but rather a platform to explore deeper emotional truths and encourage a sense of curiosity. It's also not designed to entertain or scare, but rather to provide Oskar a way to connect with the world and his father's memory. By sharing such stories, Oskar's father is reinforcing a bond and leaving behind a legacy of imagination and inspiration for his son to draw upon, especially in the wake of the family's tragic loss.