Little Man, What Now?

The many baby items Johannes and Emma accrue throughout the novel symbolize their immaturity, aspirations, and shifting self-conceptions. As soon-to-be parents, Johannes and Emma quickly become aware of how many baby-related items they will need to buy. These items all cost money and, according to the guidebooks, they are all necessary. Cribs, diapers, strollers, and other baby items will be essential for little Markel, and their absence from the house symbolizes the extent to which the young couple is not prepared for this pregnancy. Furthermore, their need to buy everything for themselves symbolizes the lack of family support. They cannot borrow or inherit items from their family because they are either estranged (in Johannes’s case) or physically removed from them (in Emma’s case). There is no support network and no guidance available to them.

One of the most important baby items is the stroller. Shortly after Markel’s birth, Johannes and Emma feel as though they are stuck in their apartment with the baby. They want to go out for a walk and take the baby with them but, to do this, they will need to spend money on a stroller. Since they are poor, their best option is to buy one secondhand.