Analysis Of Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time By Christopher Boone

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In the mystery novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Christopher Boone is a young man on the autistic spectrum living with his single father. Faced with the murder of his neighbor’s dog, Wellington, he is inspired to find the killer and document his investigation along the way. Despite his disabilities, he passionately pursues the case but he finds much more of the truth than he may have signed up for. From following the murder mystery trail, Christopher learns startling information about his parent’s estranged relationship such as their unfaithful past and even that his father lied about his mother’s death. Throughout the book, Christopher relies on science and logic in order to determine the truth. In the The Curious Incident …show more content…

Alexander stops to talk to Christopher when she spots him at the local shop. After his father made him promise not to investigate anymore and was specific in what he wanted Christopher not to do, Christopher knew that he shouldn’t be talking with her. Although, this doesn’t stop him in the slightest. He declares that he “can’t do chatting”(pg.55) Yet, he chats with her anyway, in hopes that she might say some vital information about Wellington's death. To justify openly speaking or “chatting” with Mrs. Alexander, Christopher comes to the conclusion that he isn’t directly going against his father’s wishes while secretly still going forward in his investigation,(pg.55). As the story and his investigation evolve, Christopher becomes increasingly comfortable with things that he previously could not or would not do. He begins to venture outside of his comfort zone, to explore outside his neighborhood, and even to talk to many different strangers. He even begins to play with the truth and indulges in telling lies; all done in the name of discovering the truth. By pushing the limits of what he can and cannot do, he journeys closer and closer towards discovering the truth about not only Wellington’s murder but ultimately …show more content…

At the conclusion of the novel, he declares he will go to college, graduate with honors, and become a scientist. He reasons, “I know I can do this because I went to London on my own, and because I solved the mystery of Who Killed Wellington? And found my mother and I was brave and I wrote a book and that means I can do anything” (pg.221). Unlike the previous paragraph where he learns his limitations after discovering the truth, Christopher also learns his true capabilities after discovering the truth. These shocking truths about his parents and his huge journey to London pushed him past the limitations that he previously held himself to. As a result, he learns deeper truths about himself and that these limitation no long apply to him. Much like a math problem or scientific experiment, his journey gave him the evidence that he needed to realize what he is truly capable of. Through discovering the truth, he is directly able to learn more (or the truth) about himself, his wants, and his

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