Here Oskar telling about skyscraper for dead people in this quote: "So what about skyscrapers for dead people that were built down? They could be underneath the skyscrapers for living people that are built up" (3)
“Everything that’s born has to die, which means our lives are like skyscrapers. The smoke rises at different speeds, but they’re all on fire, and we’re all trapped.” (245)
Due to his father's death in the September 11th attacks, Oskar is quite afraid of tall buildings. However from about 249-255 Oskar learns about and goes up inside the Empire State Building; overcoming his fear. Why might he suddenly overcome his fear?
"If you come up, I'll have a look at that key." "I can't go up." "Why not?" "Because you're on the ninth floor and I don't go that high." "Why not?" "It isn't safe." "But it's perfectly safe here." "Until something happens." "You'll be fine." (90)
Skyscrapers and September 11 are linked because the twin towers were skyscrapers and they were struck by two 777 aircraft on September 11.
New York City is a city full of skyscrapers and was also the site of the September 11 attacks.