The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time
When we think about heroes, Superman, Batman and other stereotypical heroes usually come to mind, but perhaps it’s the people that the public eye might consider “flawed” that bring this concept of bravery and courage into perspective. In Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Christopher is a most unexpected example of a hero. Although he may seem like an ordinary, 15-year-old boy, somewhat limited by autism, Christopher, in his own unique way, brings a new meaning to the word “hero”. Christopher shows the characteristics of a hero through his determination, and his ability to overcome his dependence on routines and certainties. This ability to conquer over his “disability” puts him above the common stereotypical hero.
Christopher is reliant upon schedules, routines, numbers and logic, but he is able to overcome this by following his feelings and turning to his sensitive side when all else fails. When Christopher find out that his father lied to him about his mother’s death, he is confused and mad, but despite this, he insists on finding his mother. Christopher is clearly in despair when he says “And then I realized there was nothing I could do which felt safe”(130, Haddon) and upon realizing this, he comes to a conclusion “Which meant that I had to go to London and live with Mother” (130-131, Haddon). Even though logic might suggest that Christopher would feel betrayed by his mother, who left him two years ago and never visited, Christopher disregards this and clings to the feelings he remembers having towards his mother. Another example of this is when Christopher wants to leave his pet, Toby, with Mrs. Alexander. Christopher realizes that Toby can’t come with him when he writes, “… I would need someone to look after Toby when I went to London…” (132, Haddon) and his solution is to turn to Mrs. Alexander, “ ‘Will you look after Toby for me?’ ”(134, Haddon). Christopher first considered Mrs. Alexander as a stranger that made him
Christopher is reliant upon schedules, routines, numbers and logic, but he is able to overcome this by following his feelings and turning to his sensitive side when all else fails. When Christopher find out that his father lied to him about his mother’s death, he is confused and mad, but despite this, he insists on finding his mother. Christopher is clearly in despair when he says “And then I realized there was nothing I could do which felt safe”(130, Haddon) and upon realizing this, he comes to a conclusion “Which meant that I had to go to London and live with Mother” (130-131, Haddon). Even though logic might suggest that Christopher would feel betrayed by his mother, who left him two years ago and never visited, Christopher disregards this and clings to the feelings he remembers having towards his mother. Another example of this is when Christopher wants to leave his pet, Toby, with Mrs. Alexander. Christopher realizes that Toby can’t come with him when he writes, “… I would need someone to look after Toby when I went to London…” (132, Haddon) and his solution is to turn to Mrs. Alexander, “ ‘Will you look after Toby for me?’ ”(134, Haddon). Christopher first considered Mrs. Alexander as a stranger that made him