Abstract: The goal of this article consist in interpretation of the major metaphor in Günter Grass’ novel “The Tin Drum”,  and coverage of its interrelation with symbolism of the image of the protagonist Oskar Matzerath. The subject of this research is the metaphor of stopped time. The time stops for Oscar with regards to physical and emotional development. Special attention is given to the fact that the protagonist of the novel, who comes into the world with adult intelligence, deliberately stops his development at the age of three. Using the indicated metaphor, the author of the novel forms the key traits of the image of the protagonists: perpetual child, demiurge, trickster. The novelty of this research and special contribution of the author consists in revelation of direct correlations between the aforementioned traits of the main character of the fundamental problems of human existence. A child who refuses to grow up, symbolizes infantilism and denial of the generally accepted socio-ethical norms. At the same time, G. Grass describes dissolution of the surrounding world and blames specific nation in the crimes against humanity, endowing Oskar Matzerath with the traits of trickster and demiurge. The acquired results can be used in textbooks on the history of foreign literature and culturology; as well as in writing term and graduation theses by students majoring in the humanities.