Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is told from the perspective of Christopher, a teenager with “behavioral difficulties.” Although Haddon does not specifically name Christopher’s condition, it is widely understood that he has Asperger’s syndrome. Students should learn about this autism spectrum disorder and its common characteristics, but be aware that Christopher’s behaviors are not indicative of how all people with Asperger’s act.
With this background, students can discuss the communication obstacles that Christopher faces regularly. They should examine how people interact with him and whether they take his differences into account. This can open a broader discussion about mental illness or difference, including how it is perceived by society, how it can be used to define people, how it affects family members, and how people can live full and satisfying lives despite difficulties they face.
Haddon also includes graphics and illustrations, such as diagrams, smiley faces, and graphs, in his novel. These elements will prompt class discussion on what these images convey and how they allow readers to understand Christopher in ways that words do not.
Keep reading to learn more about The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
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Summary of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Key Facts
- Publication Date: 2003
- Length: 240 pages
- Lexile Measure: 1180
- Recommended Grade Band: 9-10
Christopher Boone, a fifteen-year-old who describes himself as “a mathematician with some behavioral difficulties,” becomes engaged in a murder mystery as he tries to determine who killed his neighbor’s dog. His Asperger’s syndrome, which causes him to view and interact with the world in a unique way, both aids and impedes his investigation. As he dives further into the mystery, despite his father’s concerned disapproval, Christopher has a revelation about his mother, whom his father had said died two years ago.
Content Warning: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time contains scenes of abuse, discussions of atheism, references to sexuality, and some explicit language.
What Your Students Will Love About The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
- The unique and fresh perspective of the protagonist as he tries to solve the mystery
- The satisfying ending
Potential Student Struggles With The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
- Understanding the reason for some of Christopher’s behaviors
- The use of prime numbers, in lieu of conventional numbering, to organize the chapters
Learning Objectives for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
- Discuss the characteristics of autism, including how being autistic equips Christopher to solve the mystery.
- Elucidate the importance of mathematics in Christopher’s life.
- Analyze the character of Christopher’s father, both his personal limitations and his effectiveness as a parent.
- Discuss the use of mathematical puzzles and classic problems in the story.
- Consider how the emotional and intellectual limitations of Christopher’s mother affect her ability to deal with her son.
- Trace Christopher’s expanding understanding of honesty.
Literary Elements in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
- Allusion
- Digression
- Foreshadowing
- Irony
- Metaphor
- Simile
- Symbolism
- And more!
Major Themes in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Independence — Christopher struggles to become an independent person while dealing with his special needs.
Related Works:
Identity — Christopher tries to be defined by his skills at math and writing, not by his Asperger syndrome.
Related Works:
Loss — Christopher must cope with the initial loss of his mother as well as a loss of trust in his father.
Related Works:
Other Resources for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
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This free guide was originally posted in March 2017. It has been updated as of July 2019.