Close Study of Text – Ella McQue 12ENS1

Standard HSC English: Close Study of Text - Ella McQue

Haddon’s narrative point of view invites us into different worlds. Explore the ways
‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ allows us to appreciate
alternative perspectives as a result of this choice. 

The ability to produce a captivating novel can be attributed to the well devised nature
of the text and its capability to form an alternative perspective, broadening the
reader’s understanding of the world. Granting insight into the protagonist’s thought
process and experiences, further allowing the reader to interact and interpret the
story. This ability to develop our understanding and perception of the world through a
different lens is evident within Mark Haddon’s novel ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog
in the Night-Time’. In which the novel delves deep into the thematic concepts of
individual difference and how that can change the ways we interpret the world
around us, and its effect on the people in your life. As well as the inherent desire to
have control and when at a loss the isolation which can follow.

It is evident throughout the novel that the main protagonist Christopher struggles with
comprehending the emotions that the people in his life are feeling. As Haddon writes
Christopher as a first-person narrator, we can experience the novel through the
protagonist as if he were talking to us, as he often directly addresses the reader.
This perspective, however, is often unreliable in seeing the inner thoughts and in
some regards the true events of the plot as a first-person view can be deceptive in
disclosing the intent of the supporting characters evident in the climax of the novel.
Although it does allow the audience to form an understanding and strong empathetic
view of the protagonist as we are following Christopher through his experiences. This
is seen as Christopher states that "I find people confusing. This is for two main
reasons. The first is that people do a lot of talking without using any words". This
application of first-person narration provides insight into Christopher’s
comprehension of others and extends his characterisation. Expressing his discomfort
around metaphors and similar literary techniques and additionally putting emphasis
on his logical thinking and intellectual abilities, as he believes things that aren’t literal
are lies. This concept is extended as we are witness to Christopher’s struggles with
social interactions and the development of his people skills. As Haddon implements
emoticons to aid in understanding the expressions seen by the protagonist through
visual representation. As Christopher is described as being taught how to interpret
the emotions of others unlike many who develop these skills as a young child as he
states that "Then she showed me this picture ☺ and I knew that it meant 'happy'"...
"Then she drew some other pictures, but I was unable to say what these meant".
This made it evident to the reader that Christopher has trouble interpreting emotion
unless it is blatantly obvious or expressed to him. By embedding these emoticons
into the text, it creates a connection between the reader and the protagonist as we
can experience these interactions with him. Followed by his triggers due to
heightened visual and audible sensory his emotions and behaviour can be easily
changed by his surroundings. As he states that “I groaned to make the time pass
quicker and not think”. Leading us as the reader to better relate to the events within
the story as the open dialogue allows us to examine Christopher’s characterisation
as a whole and motivations for his actions.

Along with this, we are given insight into the impact that Christopher’s difference has
on his family. As a large portion of the novel is centred around his mother’s
Close Study of Text – Ella McQue 12ENS1

supposed death, which later is revealed to be fabricated up by his father Ed Boone.

As Christopher and his father’s differences in language and actions are juxtaposed
subliminally reinforcing the barrier which differences create between families. Due to
Boone’s wife’s infidelity he begrudges the neighbourhood specifically Mr and Mrs
Shears which Christopher takes interest in from the beginning of the novel. Causing
Boone to have short tempered outbursts due to his guilty conscience shown through
high modality language as he states that “I told you to keep your nose out of other
people’s business”. This foreshadowing the events to follow as Boone speaks not
only about Mrs Shears but himself creating a double entendre. Further developing
the downfall of first-person narration whilst aiding in the climax as Christopher
discovers the truth. The characters additionally differ as Boone often uses
colloquialisms unlike Christopher as he expresses that "Christopher is getting a crap
enough deal already, don't you think, without you shitting on him from a great height
as well. Jesus this is the one thing he is really good at”. This stylistic language
choice being efficient in reinforcing to the audience the desperation Boone is feeling
due to the burden he is carrying. Further developing our understanding of two
alternate perspectives of the events. 

Furthermore, Christopher’s inherent desire for control is evident within the novel.
This concept isn’t explicitly stated as the protagonists first person perspective is the
driving force of the novel but is expressed through his process of understanding. As
his descriptive language and word choices due to his meticulous accounts of events
further develop his need to control all that is happening around him. Stating that “If I
am standing in a field in the countryside, I notice everything.” further developing
Christopher’s characteristics through the careful selection of words to create a clear
image of Christopher’s world. As Christopher’s descriptions of the world around him
is methodically laid out to reinforce his need for order and creates strong imagery for
the reader. As seen through the various tables and statements dispersed throughout
the novel which reflect his discomfort with change and further foreshadowing the
dishonesty to follow. As when met with unexpected events and things that aren’t
planned out in his mind, he isolates himself. These stylistic choices are evident as he
states that “I sat on the bed for a long time looking at the floor. Then heard Toby
scratching in his cage. I looked up and saw him staring through the bars at me". With
this excerpt creating a powerful image of isolation through Christopher's rat Toby. As
Toby is symbolic of what the protagonist is going through in his life as they mirror
each other. Playing a significant role in reinforcing Christopher’s challenges with
comprehending events as he often has physical visceral reactions to pain or
confrontation. As he becomes unaware of the time which has passed and the people
around him, he enters an isolated state as he shuts down and is unable to properly
express himself. These experiences are important to the storyline as it reinforces his
challenges with everyday situations as his reactions symbolise the feelings, he is
unable to express. 

Thus, the thematic concepts of difference, family dynamics and the desire and loss
of control combined interconnect with each other to create a thought-provoking
novel. As it is made apparent Haddon’s intent to expand on what is constituted as
‘ordinary’ in our daily lives, allowing the audience to gain appreciation for those who
differ in society. As they can be experienced very differently by others as seen
through Christopher’s alternative perspective. Thus, creating a powerful and emotive
exploration into the idea of the individual human experience through text.