1. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the
Night-time by Mark Haddon
Distinctive Characteristics
Novel in Overview
Aim:
To develop your understanding of how the characteristics of the text establish the
text‟s distinctive qualities.
Draw a mind map into your work book (see below). As you read the novel and as you
complete the activities, and through discussions with your class, add ideas and details to your
mind map. Initial impressions are often the most valuable.
Interview Activity
Aim:
To develop your understanding of how the ideas, forms and language of a text interact
within the text and may affect those responding to it.

2. 1. Answer the following questions quickly, with „instant‟ responses preferable to
considered ones:
1. Do you like the novel? Why/ why not?
2. How is the novel different from many novels you have read?
3. How is it similar?
4. What is your favourite scene? Why?
5. Who is your favourite character? Why?
6. List the three events in the novel that affected you the most. What was your
response to these events?
7. What writing techniques did you like/ dislike?
8. What did you learn from the novel?
9. What do you think are the two most important ideas of the novel?
2. You are going to interview someone about the novel. In order to encourage a different
perspective on the novel you may choose to select an interviewee who is „different‟ to
the „profile‟ of your class (e.g. an adult, a person of a different culture).
As a class, develop a list of questions you would like to ask. Your aim is to gain an
understanding of how the novel might affect another person. You can use the
questions you answered above as a guide.
3. Post Interview discussion.
What surprised you about your interviewee‟s responses?
What did you learn?
Themes
There are many ideas/ themes explored in the novel. Consider the suggestions below.
the value of truth/ truth and perspective
human needs and relationships
the need for control/ stability
the nature of difference
communication
acceptance
Activity
Aim:
To develop your understanding of the key ideas/ issues in the novel
To make connections between the key ideas and the techniques and events used to
shape your understanding of these ideas
Select the themes above that you believe are the most important, or the most interesting to
you, and complete the table below. As your progress through this module, you may wish to
return to this table and develop/ alter your thematic ideas. The themes below are just a few of
many possible suggestions. You might choose to phrase the wording of the theme differently,
or to add your own.

3. Events/ content Techniques Conclusions you can
from the text used to shape/ draw/ your response to
Theme Relevant quote
that develop develop the representation of this
this theme meaning theme
Setting
Aim:
To understand how different settings are represented in the novel
To appreciate the distinctive characteristics of setting in the novel
The novel is set in two, very different locations. Swindon, Christopher‟s home, where
everything is comfortingly familiar, and „not Swindon‟, the world Christopher experiences on
his way to London and London itself, places where Christopher finds it very difficult to cope.
Discussion Questions:
1. How is your understanding of each setting developed (descriptions, illustrations,
mood)?
2. How important is the setting to the story‟s development, to your understanding of
character and to the novel‟s ideas?
3. What is Christopher‟s response to each environment? How is this communicated?
Narrative elements and the Language of the Novel
Aim:
To develop your understanding of how the narrative elements shape meaning
To determine what aspects of the narrative are unusual/distinctive
1. The narrator of the story is a fifteen year old boy with Asperger‟s Syndrome. How
does the choice of narrator affect the story/ narrative experience? In your response,
consider:
o His choice of words
o His ability to understand events
o His ability to prioritise information
o His particular points of interest
2. Below are some of the narrative elements used in the novel:
o dialogue
o graphics/ illustrations
o description

4. o action
o letters
o footnotes
o reflection
o facts and figures
o word choice/ sentence structure
Complete the table below. For each narrative element, give an example, describe the
features and explain the effect and/ or purpose. Sometimes the narrative element has
more than one purpose or effect. Give examples and explanations for each.
Narrative
Example Effect
element
The dialogue in the novel is often highly idiomatic.
dialogue This highlights the key communication barrier between
Christopher and others.
The characters often use expletives (swear words).
This acts as a „foil‟ or balance to the highly
dialogue
unemotional dialogue and thoughts of Christopher. It
also emphasises their realism.
“And I said…”
“And she said…”
“And I said…”
Graphics/
illustrations/ Enables the reader to easily…
faces
Graphics/ text Communicates how confused…
“Like two very
Descriptions The clever use of similes adds humour…It also….
small mice…”
“like a mirror” Similes also enable us to…
Facts and figures
Often the action is described using long sentences with
Action
repeated use of the word „and‟
Often the action is interrupted by one of Christopher‟s
Action
„digressions‟. This demonstrates…
Christopher‟s reflections and the giving of factual
Reflection
information often blur into one. This is because…
A combination of simple and complicated word choice.
Word choice digression
The effect of this combination…

5. 3. Haddon uses the above narrative elements to tell the story and to give us an insight
into Christopher’s world and way of thinking. Referring to the above, explain how
Haddon achieves this. Do you find it effective?
4. Haddon’s use of language and his narrative techniques are highly distinctive.
Explain this statement with reference to the techniques and examples.
5. „So I decided to do a description of the garden. But the garden wasn‟t very interesting
or different. It was just a garden…‟ (p. 85). Read Christopher‟s description of his
garden. Take note of his writing style. Write your own description of where you live
(your garden, the view out the window) using Christopher‟s writing style.
Narrative Development/ Digressions
Christopher‟s „digressions‟ are a unique aspect of the novel. His reflections on life, math and
human nature are as important as the central narrative in the development of our
understanding of the novel‟s key issues and central character.
Aim:
To develop your understanding of how Christopher‟s digressions add to key ideas in
the narrative.
1. Complete the table below.
Place in the novel Connection to key
Chapter/ overview
(connection to events ideas/ understanding Quotes
of digression’s focus
before or after) of character
2.
3. Explain the effect of the use of narrative digressions on the story. How do these
digressions shape meaning and add to your understanding of key issues?
Language/ Close Study of Text Questions
Aim:
To develop your understanding of how language features shape meaning
To develop your understanding of what aspects of the novel‟s language are distinctive
1. Choose a section from the novel where you find the language choices interesting.
Good examples include:

6. o the novel‟s opening scene (Chapter 2),
o Christopher‟s altercation with the policemen (Chapter 9 or 11)
Consider the following questions in connection to the extract you have chosen. Some
questions will not be relevant.
3. Describe the opening sentence. How does it set the scene and/ or draw you in to the
story?
4. Describe the sentences. Are they long, short, complex, simple, emotional or
objective?
5. Describe the word choice. Is the vocabulary sophisticated or simple? Why and to what
effect?
6. What tense is the story told in?
7. Is there descriptive language? Consider the use of adjectives, metaphors, similes,
alliteration and onomatopoeia.
8. Is the story told in first, second or third person? Is this consistent throughout the
novel? What is the effect of this?
9. Many sentences begin with conjunctions „and‟ or „but‟. What is the effect of this?
Why has the author chosen to do this?
10. What is the effect of the repeated „and‟ at the beginning of dialogue? How does a
writer normally introduce dialogue? What is your response to Christopher‟s style of writing
dialogue?
11. Describe the language used in the dialogue. Is it literal or colloquial/ idiomatic and
metaphorical? What is the effect of the language choice on your response to the story and
your understanding of the issues in the story?
12. Are there any graphic elements used in this extract? What is the connection between
the written content and the graphic element? How does the graphic develop meaning and
understanding?
13. What is the tone of the excerpt?
14. Is there humour in the scene? How is humour created? (Consider the use of
incongruity, juxtaposition, misunderstandings, false conclusions).
In summary, describe the use of language in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the
Night-time. Are any particular language features distinctive? What are these features and how
do they add to the overall effect of the story?
Form/Structure
Aim:
To develop your understanding of how the novel‟s structure shapes meaning
To determine whether the novel‟s structure is distinctive
Comment on the structure of the novel:
1. How many chapters are there? Describe the length of the chapters. Are they of
uniform length throughout the story? What is the effect of this on your experience
reading and engaging with the story?

7. 2. Are the chapters „contained‟ or do events continue or „spill‟ from one chapter to the
next? What is the effect? Give examples.
3. The novel can be considered in two distinct sections. What are these sections and how
do they develop the ideas in the novel?
Plot Activity
Aim:
To develop an understanding of how the narrative development shapes meaning.
1. List the key incidents in the novel.
2. Now graph these incidents (maximum of ten), as they take place, and give them a
„tension‟ grade out of ten. For example…
3. Considering your graph, describe the narrative „landscape‟. The questions below can
be used to help you.
a. How quickly does the complication of the novel take place? Is it effective in
drawing you into the story?
b. When are we given the story‟s orientation? How is the novel/ character
introduced?
c. What often happens after moments of high tension or excitement? What is the
effect of this?
d. The mystery of the dog‟s murder is solved quite early on in the novel. Is this
the climax of the story? How does Haddon keep the reader engaged after this
revelation?
e. What is the climax of the story?
f. Is there a clear resolution at the story‟s end?
g. Do you find the end of the story satisfying and/ or suitable? How does the
ending develop your understanding of key ideas?
h. Does the story use a traditional narrative development?
i. Are any aspects of the story‟s narrative development distinctive?

8. j. Is Haddon/ Christopher a good storyteller? Why/ why not?
Key Events
Aim:
To develop an understanding of what the key events in the novel are, and how these
events develop your understanding of the novel‟s ideas and characters.
Choose three key events from the novel and complete the table below.
Your response
Importance to event/ Techniques
Relevant Characters
Event of event on characters used to shape
quote involved
story involved/ meaning
understanding
Discussion: How does Haddon use key events in the novel to enhance your understanding of
the novel‟s ideas and character?
Character
The characters in the novel are not typical of characters in Young Adult fiction. They are
complex, with many flaws, and yet many redeeming qualities.
Aim:
To develop your understanding of how character shapes meaning
To determine whether the characters in the novel are distinctive
Complete the following charts in your books:
Mr. Boone
Positive Quality Example/ Quote Negative quality Example/ Quote
„Holy fucking Jesus,
Christopher. How
dedicated Verbally aggressive
stupid are you?‟ p.
102

9. Does not tell the truth
about Christopher‟s
mother,‟ I did it for
Deceitful
your own good,
Christopher…I never
meant to lie.‟ (p. 143)
Mrs. Boone
Positive Quality Example/ Quote Negative quality Example/ Quote
protective
Leaves her son: „I
realised you and your
father were probably
selfish
better off if I wasn‟t
living in the house.‟
(p. 136)
Mrs Alexander
Positive Quality Example/ Quote Negative quality Example/ Quote
Tells Christopher that
his mother had an
Takes the time to talk affair with Mr.
kind to Christopher and get Inappropriate Shears. “I mean that
to know him they were very good
friends. Very, very
good friends.” (p. 76)
As Christopher is less able to control his behaviour, it is difficult to categorise Christopher‟s
qualities into „good‟ or „bad‟. However, he does have qualities that you will respond to in a
positive or negative.
Christopher
Positive Quality Example/ Quote Negative quality Example/ Quote

10. „I don‟t like it when
people grab me. And
Unable to control his
intelligent I don‟t like being
violent tendencies
surprised either. So I
hit him…‟ p. 103
Siobhan and Mr. Shears are far less complex characters. Aim to complete the tables below on
these characters.
Siobhan
Positive Quality Example/ Quote Negative quality Example/ Quote
Siobhan knows how
to communicate
Understanding
clearly with
Christopher
Mr. Shears
Positive Quality Example/ Quote Negative quality Example/ Quote
When Christopher
Abusive
moves to London
As you will have discovered, it is difficult to find a negative quality for Siobhan or a positive
quality for Mr. Shears.
Christopher
1. What techniques does the author use to create Christopher and develop our
understanding of who he is? In your response consider what Christopher says, what he
thinks about, how he acts, how other people react to him, what other people say about
him.
2. What are Christopher‟s values (what does he consider important)? What are your
values? Consider the similarities and differences. What happens when people‟s values
differ?
3. We are very aware of how different Christopher is. How is he like us?
4. Who is Christopher closest to? What are the characteristics of this/these relationships?
5. Author Mark Haddon considers Christopher to be „an ideal narrator‟. Do you agree?
Why/ Why not?
6. Does Christopher change over the course of the novel? If so, how? If not, why not?
Ed Boone, Christopher’s father
1. Describe Ed Boone with examples from the text. How do key events shape your
understanding of him?
2. What techniques does Haddon use to create the character of Christopher‟s father?
3. What is your opinion of Ed Boone? What is Christopher‟s opinion of his father?

11. Judy Boone, Christopher’s mother
1. Describe Judy Boone with examples from the text. How do key events shape your
understanding of her? Does your opinion of her change?
2. What techniques does Haddon use to develop our understanding of Judy Boone?
3. What is your opinion of Judy? What is Christopher‟s opinion of his mother?
Discussion: How does the complexity of the characters enhance your understanding of
human nature?
Genre
Aim:
To determine if The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time is Young Adult or
Adult fiction
To consider if a novel‟s broad appeal is a distinctive characteristic
Part 1
Working in groups, students discuss and determine the characteristics of Young Adult fiction.
Questions to consider are as follows:
1. What age group does „Young Adult fiction‟ refer to?
2. How old is the protagonist/ central character in Young Adult fiction?
3. Are there common storylines or events in Young Adult fiction?
4. Are there common Young Adult genres (for example, fantasy or romance)?
5. Are there common Young Adult themes (for example peer pressure, drug use and
abuse, family breakdown, violence, identity)?
6. Is there are particular style of writing associated with Young Adult fiction? (For
example, very rich and metaphorical language, or more straight forward and
narrative-driven prose?)
7. Does Young Adult fiction appeal to adult readers? Why/ why not?
Discussion: How does Adult fiction differ to Young Adult fiction? (Consider the above
questions).
Part 2
This activity should be undertaken after you have read the novel and you have a strong grasp
of the novel’s content and ideas.
Working in groups, discuss „Is ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’ Young
Adult or Adult fiction?’. Students must report back to the class with their response and their
supporting evidence for this. If the consensus is that the novel sits with both categories,
discuss if this is a unique characteristic of the novel.
Genre Activity

12. “This is a murder mystery novel.”
Aim:
To develop how your understanding of the murder mystery genre affects your
response to the novel
To determine whether the manipulation of the genre conventions is a distinctive
characteristic of the novel
At the beginning of Chapter 7 Christopher tells us that „This is a murder mystery novel.‟
1. Why does Christopher decide to write a murder mystery novel? Why is it appropriate
that that Christopher has chosen to write this type of novel?
2. Consider each of these conventions listed below. For each convention list how the
novel fulfils, plays with, or subverts these conventions?
Murder Mystery Conventions
o A morally upright, intelligent and isolated protagonist
o A crime, usually a murder
o A suspect/ villain
o Clues and red herrings
o Exposure of the protagonist to danger, confrontation and conflict
o A resolution/ the suggestion that order has been returned to the world
o A moral/ message
o A setting of moral decay, or decadence
3. How does the use of the murder mystery genre shape your understanding of the issues
and characters in the novel?
Imaginative Tasks
Aim:
To engage with the text imaginatively
1. Choose an incident from the novel that engages you. Rewrite the incident from
another character‟s perspective.
2. Brainstorm alternative endings to the novel. Choose the one you find most interesting
and develop it. If possible, incorporate the language techniques utilised by
Christopher.
3. Imagine the scene between Ed and Judy Boone where Judy tells her husband she is
leaving him. Write the script in the form of a radio play (with appropriate music and
sound effects).
4. Imagine you are Mr. Shears. Write a letter to Judy Boone explaining what you think
went wrong in the relationship and how you feel now that it is over.
5. Imagine that you are Christopher. You are back at school, your adventures are over
and you have been asked to give a presentation to the other students. Your
presentation is, „The five things that are most important to me and why.‟

13. Developing a thesis
Aim:
To gain an understanding of the style and requirements of the HSC questions for this
module
To develop an understanding of how to develop a thesis in response to a question
(examination or assessment)
Below are the Module B HSC examination questions from 2003-2008. As you read through
the questions, ask yourself the following:
How is the question asking me to demonstrate my knowledge of what is distinctive
about the text?
How is the question asking me to express my personal response to the novel?
How is the question asking me to demonstrate my deep understanding of the novel?
How is this question asking me to give specific textual references and analysis of how
meaning is shaped?
What is a possible thesis (line of argument)I can respond to the question with?
Although the questions do not always specifically ask for a response to all of the above
questions (for example, the 2006 question did not mention the word „distinctive‟),
considering these questions will help to prepare you for writing your response. To fulfill the
requirements of the examination question you must:
a. answer the question, and
b. meet the requirements of the rubric (the dot points above the question, as below).
Distinctive ideas are at the heart of every novel.
In your view, what is a distinctive idea explored in We All Fall Down [in your case, The
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time]? Explain how it is developed throughout the
novel.
Possible line of argument/ thesis:
Distinctive ideas are not at the heart of every novel. There are many novels that explore ideas
that have been explored countless times before. Distinctive ideas sit at the heart of superior
works of prose, novels that aim to explore the world we live in from a unique perspective. The
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time is one such novel…
HSC 2006
In what ways does the author draw you into the novel?
In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.
Possible line of argument/thesis:

14. Writers use a number of writing techniques to draw readers into their novel. A dramatic
opening, an eccentric central character, a quirky style of writing are not unusual ‘tricks’ of
the literary trade; however, author Mark Haddon transforms these everyday literary
conventions into something distinctive…
HSC 2005
Identify a key episode in your prescribed text.
Analyse the ways in which this key episode reflects the ideas and characteristics of the text as
a whole.
Present your analysis in one of the following ways –
a speech at an HSC study day
a contribution to an online HSC resources site.
Possible thesis:
The ideas explored in Haddon’s text ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, are
explored through the central character, Christopher Haddon whose detective experiences
take us from the backyards of suburban Swindon and beyond. Through Christopher’s unique
perspective we learn about such themes as difference and the need for control and order.
This is illustrated most effectively in Christopher’s chaotic trip to London….
HSC 2004
On the basis of the distinctive features of your prescribed text, argue for its inclusion in the
„Top Prose Fiction‟ list.
Possible thesis:
The best prose fiction challenges the way we see the world, the way we see others and, most
importantly, the way we see and understand ourselves. Remarkably, Mark Haddon’s ‘The
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’ achieves all this and more…
HSC 2003
What aspect of your prescribed text had the greatest impact on you?
In your response you should reflect on both ideas and prose fiction techniques used in the
prescribed text you have studied.
Possible line of argument/ thesis:
When a novel challenges expectations, it has an impact. This is demonstrated in the novel, ‘A
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’ by Mark Haddon….

15. Sample Assessment
Text Type #1: Essay
Assessable outcomes:
3 A student develops language relevant to the study of English
4 A student describes and analyses the ways that language forms and features, and
structures of texts shape meaning and influence responses
6 A student engages with the details o text in order to respond critically and personally
7 A student adapts and synthesises a range of textual features to explore and communicate
information, ideas and values for a variety of purposes, audiences and contexts.
8 A student articulates and represents own ideas in critical, interpretive and imaginative
texts
10 A student analyses and synthesises information and ideas into sustained and logical
argument for a range of purposes and audiences.
QUESTION
To what extent is the principal idea of Haddon‟s novel an exploration of difference?
In your response you must address:
a. other ideas explored in the novel
b. how each of these ideas are represented.
Text Type #2: Viewing and Representing/ Mind map
Create a mind map that represents the major ideas of the novel, The Curious Incident of the
Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon.
Criteria:
Your mind map must represent at least four ideas (themes) found in the novel.
Your mind map must include references to at least three characters.
Your mind map must support the ideas with references to incidents from the novel
and the techniques used to shape meaning.
Each piece of information on the mind map should include a direct quotation from the
text and a short explanation of what the quote demonstrates.
The mind map should also indicate what aspects of the text make it distinctive
The mind map must utilise visual techniques to establish and clarify meaning (font
size, hierarchy of information, colour coding)
The mind map can be used in class as a guideline for your essay.
Journal/ Comprehension Questions

16. Chapter 2
1. What chapter does the novel open with? What does this anomaly suggest about the
novel and the direction the story might take? List five suitable adjectives in your
response.
2. What does the opening sentence, „It was 7 minutes after midnight‟ suggest about the
a) genre of the novel b) the narrator?
3. Read the first paragraph closely. What are your impressions of the narrator? (Consider
what he/she says and how he/she says it.)
4. Describe your response to the opening scene. Are you shocked or do you find it
humorous? Explain your response with reference to the text.
Chapter 3
1. Who is the narrator of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time? What do
you like/ dislike about this choice of narrator? What are the strengths and weaknesses
of this choice of narrator?
2. This chapter includes graphic elements as part of the narrative. What are these
elements? Why has the author chosen to incorporate them? What does the use of these
graphics tell us about the narrator, Christopher?
Chapter 5
1. Chapter 5? Christopher has chosen to number his chapters using prime numbers
because he likes them. The numbering system is chosen to suit Christopher‟s
preferences. What does this tell us about the way Christopher operates in the world?
2. Why does Christopher like dogs? What does Christopher‟s attitude to dogs suggest
about his attitude to people?
3. Christopher‟s description of events often contains very precise, fact-focused
information. Find examples of this in the chapter. What is the effect of this on the
telling of the story and your understanding of the character?
4. Consider the first line of dialogue used in the novel. Does it change your expectations
of the novel? Why/ why not? How does the dialogue shape the stories mood and
meaning?
5. Christopher often responds to his world in a way that surprises and occasionally
shocks. You will find many examples of this as you progress through the novel. Take
note of these. How does this information develop your understanding of Christopher?
How does it challenge your assumptions about the world you live in?
Chapter 7
1. „This is a murder mystery novel,‟ writes Christopher. How is The Curious Incident
like murder mystery novel (so far)? How is it different?
2. A humorous and unique aspect of the novel is Christopher‟s descriptions of the
different characters. Discuss this statement in response to the description of Mrs.
Shears, Siobhan and Mr. Jeavons (you may also choose to include references to the
descriptions of the police at the beginning of Chapter 11). How do the descriptions
add humour to the novel?
Chapter 11

17. 1. We see a different, darker side of Christopher in this chapter. Describe what happens
in this chapter and how this influences your response to the character of Christopher.
How (what techniques) does the author enable us to feel what Christopher feels?
2. Despite the seriousness of the event, and the trauma Christopher feels, the mood
quickly returns to one of humour by the chapter‟s end. How (technique) does the
author achieve this?
Chapter 13
1. Contrary to Christopher‟s statement, „This will not be a funny book‟; there are many
aspects of the novel that are very funny. How (what technique) does the author use to
create humour in the novel? How do statements such as this further develop our
understanding of the idea of „truth‟ explored in the novel?
2. Although the central narrative develops in a linear fashion, the chapters and sections
of the chapters often „digress‟ from this central story. Explain what these digressions
are. Why do you think they have been included? How do they add to your
understanding of the story?
Chapter 17
1. How does Haddon use dialogue to emphasise the barrier between Christopher and
others? Who communicates successfully with Christopher and who does not?
2. What is Christopher thinking about as he is driven to the police station? Why is this
surprising and what does this emphasis about Christopher?
3. Not only do Christopher‟s explanation of the solar system come at an unexpected time
in the story‟s development, but a large part of the chapter is dedicated to the
explanation. This information does not drive the story forward, nor is it a traditional
„reflection of character to reveal character through thoughts‟. Why had the author
included this information and what is the effect?
4. Does the illustration of the Milky Way enhance your understanding of Christopher‟s
written explanation?
Chapter 19
1. It is only in this chapter that Christopher explains the numbering pattern of the
chapters. Why do you think Haddon/ Christopher chose to delay the explanation until
now?
2. Christopher believes that prime numbers are like life: „They are very logical but you
could never work out the rules, even if you spent your time thinking about them‟. Do
you agree? Why do you think Christopher would like to believe this?
Chapter 23
1. How does the author, Mark Haddon, infuse serious situations with humour (such as in
this chapter)? How does the use of humour affect your relationship with Christopher?
Chapter 29
1. Christopher often explains to us what he does not understand about the world he lives
in. How (techniques) does he explain his differences? Are his explanations clear?

18. 2. What does Christopher‟s attitude to his name reflect about his character? Why do you
think Christopher is never called Chris? How is this reinforced by Christopher‟s
references to „mother‟ and „father‟ rather than „mum‟ and „dad‟?
Chapter 31
1. What does Christopher and his father do instead of hugging? What connections can
you make between this scene and the novel‟s opening scene and what ironic
conclusions can you draw from this?
2. Christopher cannot understand and does not intentionally use metaphors in his
explanations and descriptions; however, he uses similes often and to great effect. Find
an example of an effective simile in this chapter and explain its use.
3. This chapter includes a footnote. In what type of text are footnotes normally found?
Why is it appropriate for Christopher to use them?
4. Reread the final paragraph of this chapter. How many sentences are there? Rewrite
this sentence giving only the crucial information, with as few words as possible. How
(technique) does Haddon communicate Christopher‟s inability to process detail and
prioritise information?
Chapter 37
1. Christopher is a complex mixture of opposites. He is logical and often emotionless he
is also irrational and unable to control his extreme emotional responses. How does
this chapter demonstrate this? Consider the footnote in your response.
2. Christopher likes facts and control. How do the existence of lies and fiction challenge
him?
Chapter 41
1. The difference between Christopher and „other‟ people is highlighted in this chapter.
He has different values, different emotional responses, and a different understanding
of events. Explain these differences in note form, with references to and quotes from
the chapter.
Chapter 43
1. Why is it ironic that Christopher likes it when his father does not look at him when he
talks? How (technique) does Christopher effectively explain his response? What is
your response when someone does not look at you when talking to you?
Chapter 47
1. Mr. Jeavons says that Christopher is a very clever boy because he is so observant. His
mother says he is a good boy because he does not tell lies. Christopher disagrees with
both of them. Why? Who is correct?
2. Christopher has a very sophisticated vocabulary and occasionally quotes Latin. How
do these displays of intelligence impact on your response to Christopher‟s character?
Why do you think the author has highlighted this aspect of Christopher‟s intelligence?
Chapter 53

19. 1. The chapter begins with the sentence „Mother died two weeks later‟ and ends with
Christopher beating Mrs. Shears at Scrabble (247 points to 134). Christopher does not
display any of the expected signs of distress or mourning. What does he do and what
does this tell us about his ability to connect emotionally with others? How does the
end of this chapter reinforce this?
2. Christopher often talks about his teacher, Siobhan. What role does Siobhan play in
Christopher‟s life? What do we learn about Christopher through Siobhan?
3. Christopher continues his investigation of the murder despite instructions from his
father not to. How does Christopher‟s logic free him to do what he wants? What is
your response to discovering that Christopher does not always do what he is told?
Chapter 61
1. Christopher reflects on the presence of God and death in this chapter. What does
Christopher believe and why is it appropriate for a character such as Christopher?
What is your response to his attitude and explanation?
Chapter 67
1. Christopher is an unlikely detective. How is his personality suited to his task? What
problems does he face?
2. In this chapter Christopher forces himself to interact with others. What do these
interactions reveal about Christopher? Comment on Haddon‟s treatment of these
scenes.
Chapter 71
1. Christopher dismisses his fellow students in the opening sentence of this chapter, „All
the other children at my school are stupid.‟ What is your response to this?
2. Comment on Christopher‟s plans for his future. Are they realistic? How does this
affect your understanding of Christopher?
Chapter 73
1. This chapter very succinctly and humorously communicates the enormity of
Christopher‟s behavioral problems. How does it achieve this? How does this chapter
develop a central idea in the novel?
Chapter 79
1. The chapter closes with Christopher promising to „stop doing these things‟. How does
this promise develop the story‟s suspense?
Chapter 83
1. How is Christopher‟s belief that he „would be a very good astronaut‟ reflective of
Christopher‟s understanding of the world? Can Christopher be an astronaut?
Chapter 89

20. 1. The chapter ends with Christopher experiencing two „Black Days‟. What do we learn
about the connection between Christopher‟s sense of order and his emotions?
Chapter 97
1. When Christopher sees 5 red cars in a row he knows he will have a „super good day‟
and that something special will happen. How does this belief change the way he
behaves?
2. In the course of his investigations, Christopher learns something unexpected from
Mrs. Alexander. What does he learn? Is this scene realistic? Why has Haddon chosen
to include it?
Chapter 101
1. What is the message of the Monty Hall Problem described in this chapter? Why does
the Monty Hall Problem appeal to Christopher?
Chapter 103
1. Siobhan encourages Christopher to „include some descriptions of things…so that
people could read them and make a picture in their own head‟. Read Christopher‟s
description. What does Christopher write about? Is his writing effective? Is it unique?
Chapter 107
1. Why does Christopher like murder mystery novels, such as The Hound of the
Baskervilles?
2. What connection does Christopher believe he has with Sherlock Holmes?
Chapter 109
1. Christopher has a very distinctive way of retelling conversations. Describe his
technique with references to the text. Why does he retell conversations this way, and
what is the effect? How is it different to the language used to introduce „normal‟
literary dialogue?
2. Christopher does not „feel sad‟ about the affair of his mother and Mr. Shears. What is
his explanation for not feeling sad? What is your response to his rationale? How do
we respond to people who do not display the emotions expected of them?
3. Haddon often juxtaposes exciting and/or emotional moments with very mundane
descriptions of events. Give an example from this chapter. What is the effect?
Chapter 113
1. How effective is Christopher‟s explanation of his memory? What are the benefits and
disadvantages of such a memory?
2. „…The pictures in my head are all pictures of things which really happened.‟ What
can other people do that Christopher cannot do? How might this limit him?
Chapter 127

21. 1. When Christopher‟s father comes home, he jokingly says „Howdy, Pardner‟ to
Christopher. Christopher knows it is a joke but does not understand it. What impact
might Christopher‟s lack of humour have on his ability to connect with others?
2. What happens in this chapter? How does it affect your opinion of Christopher and his
father?
Chapter 131
1. How does the opening of this chapter connect and contrast to the events in the last
chapter?
2. How does Christopher‟s dislike of brown and yellow make his life simpler? How are
his decision-making techniques different to other people‟s decision making
techniques?
Chapter 137
1. Is Christopher‟s father the most important person is Christopher‟s life? Is he able to
effectively communicate with Christopher? Explain your response with reference to
the text.
2. What does Christopher‟s understanding of love tell us about his ability to understand
emotion? How does your definition of love differ? What might the problems be with
Christopher‟s version of love?
3. How does Christopher‟s „memory test‟ map of the zoo add to our appreciation of
Christopher‟s emotional detachment?
Chapter 139
1. Christopher includes „The Case of the Cottingley Fairies‟ because „this shows that
sometimes people want to be stupid and they do not want to know the truth?‟ Why
might people not want to know the truth?
Chapter 149
1. Christopher displays some very good detecting skills in this chapter. What are they?
2. What do we learn/ realise when Christopher finds the letter? Why does Christopher
not draw the same conclusion?
Chapter 151
1. What does Christopher explain about mysteries in this chapter? Is it a convincing
explanation?
Chapter 157
1. A large section of this chapter is devoted to Christopher‟s mother‟s letters. Why does
the author choose to include so many of them? What do we learn about Judy Boone
and her relationship with her son? Do these letters affect your opinion of her?
2. How do the graphic elements (the signature and the stamp) add to your experience
and understanding of the situation?

22. 3. How does Christopher respond to the discovery of the letters and their contents? What
do we learn from this?
4. Why did Christopher‟s father hide the truth about Christopher‟s mother? How does
this affect your response to Christopher‟s father?
Chapter 163
1. This chapter involves a complicated explanation by Christopher of why „…people‟s
brains are like computers.‟ Most of Christopher‟s digressions include illustrations or
graphics to help us understand. Why are there no illustrations in this explanation?
2. Christopher believes that „feelings are just having a picture on the screen in your
head…and if it is a happy picture they smile and if it is a sad picture they cry.‟ Is this
an accurate understanding of what feelings are and how they work? Why might
Christopher believe his theory?
Chapter 167
1. Why did Christopher‟s father kill Wellington? What does his rambling explanation
reinforce about humans and human relationships? How (what techniques) does the
author use to communicate the „messiness‟ of the human experience in this section?
2. Christopher‟s father explains that Mrs. Shears „…cared more for that bloody mutt
than for me, for us.‟ In what way is Christopher not so very different from other
people?
3. What is your response to Christopher‟s rationale that „Father had murdered
Wellington. That meant he could murder me, because I couldn‟t trust him…because
he had told a lie about a big thing.‟? How does the structuring of the sentence reflect
the development of Christopher‟s logic?
4. The „murder mystery‟ is „solved‟ in this chapter. How does the novel maintain
narrative tension? How is this emphasised by the chapter‟s closing sentence?
Chapter 173
1. Christopher‟s „truth‟ is correct when he says that constellations such as Orion are
nothing but stars, nuclear explosions millions of miles away. What do we learn in this
chapter? What does Christopher lose by seeing nothing but the truth?
Chapter 179
1. Christopher is forced to make some difficult decisions in this chapter. What
techniques does Christopher use to make a decision? How has the author
communicated Christopher‟s thought processes and emotions?
2. List the many challenges Christopher faces in this chapter. Make note of what
Christopher does to deal with and overcome these challenges, and the language
techniques used to communicate his experiences.
3. Do you hope that Christopher will make it to London and his mother or that he will be
„saved‟ and returned to the safety of Swindon? Why?
Chapter 181

23. 1. What do we learn about Christopher in this chapter? How does this enhance our
understanding of Christopher‟s ordeal?
2. Christopher often refers to „other people‟ and the way they think as „silly‟. Why is
Christopher so critical or dismissive of others? What is your reaction to his criticism?
Chapter 191
1. See question 2 in Chapter 179.
2. This policeman speaks very differently to the previous officer. What is Christopher‟s
response to the policeman? What is yours? Why does Haddon introduce two such
different policemen?
3. In the first section of the book Christopher is in a familiar and (relatively) safe
environment. Although we learn of many of his disabilities, he also displays his
remarkable abilities. What do we realise in this second section of the novel?
Chapter 193
1. Write down your daily schedule with as much detail as you can (like Christopher, you
can include approximations). Would you like to live by your schedule every day?
Why/ Why not? Why does Christopher like schedules? Why has this chapter been
placed in this section of the story?
Chapter 197
1. The novel utilises paragraph length, sentence structure, truncated sentences and
repetition to create a sense of Christopher‟s mental state. Explain this in reference to
the first page in this chapter.
Chapter 199
1. What is the purpose of this chapter? Do you agree with Christopher?
Chapter 211
1. See question 2 in Chapter 179. Take notes/ discuss further
2. „And I thought I can do this because I was doing really well and I was in London and
I would find my mother.‟ What is your response to Christopher‟s journey so far?
What is your response to Christopher‟s confidence?
Chapter 223
1. In the middle of all the drama, this chapter is included. What is the effect on the
narrative development and our understanding of Christopher?
Chapter 227
1. What does Christopher realise about the underground and how does this give him
courage?
2. What does the incident with Christopher‟s pet rat, Toby, illustrate about Christopher?

24. 3. What are the reactions to Christopher of a) the man with the diamond patterned socks
b) the lady with the guitar case to Christopher? What would your reaction be?
4. Christopher finally finds his mother‟s home (and his mother). Did you expect he
would be successful? Why/ why not?
5. Why does Mother make „a loud wailing noise like an animal on a nature program on
television‟ when she discovers Christopher had been told she had died? Comment on
Christopher‟s choice of simile. What is the effect?
6. Christopher‟s mother wants to hold Christopher‟s hand „Just once. Just for me. Will
you?‟ Why does she want to hold his hand? Christopher refuses. What is your
response to this and why?
7. A number of highly emotional events take place that evening. What is Christopher‟s
reaction to these events?
8. How do you feel toward Christopher‟s father, Ed Boone, and Christopher‟s mother,
Judy Boone, in this chapter?
Chapter 229
1. Describe Christopher‟s favourite dream. Why is it his favourite? What is your
response to this? Why has Haddon included this chapter and how does it enhance your
understanding of the novel‟s ideas and character?
Chapter 233
1. In „rewarding‟ fiction the central character usually develops or changes through
experience. What does the incident at the shopping centre indicate about this central
character? How does the central character add to your understanding of relevant ideas
in the novel?
2. Mr. Shears asks Christopher, „Don‟t you ever, ever think about other people for one
second, eh?‟ Does Christopher ever think of other people? What evidence is there for
this?
3. Why is it so important to Christopher that he takes his Maths A level examination?
What is the relevance of Christopher‟s mother‟s failure to recognise this?
4. The novel ends on a positive note. What is your response to the closing paragraph?
How would you like the novel to end?