Various Perspectives
In the novel, with whom do you most closely identify? Can you see yourself in any of the characters?
Submitted by Jennie from Hutchinson, MN
Submitted by Jennie from Hutchinson, MN
Posted by jennie at 7/10/2006 11:31 AM 
Categories: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon
Categories: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon
As I was reading the book, I kept finding myself empathizing with many of the characters. I could understand how Christopher could find calm in counting (although I'd never be able to count in such complicated ways, I'm more of a 'count to 100' kind of girl). I could imagine how difficult it would be not to be able to hug your child when they were distressed, although I'm not sure how you could bear it. I could easily imagine how quickly a parent's frustration could escalate when their child is out of control and physical in their responses, and not be able to reason with them to get the situation under control. I could even see how the mother could leave their home in desperation, even if I wouldn't make the same choice.
The part I probably related to least was Christopher's absolute resolve based solely on fact, leaving emotion out of his decision-making process. When he determined that he could no longer trust his dad, it was a final decision with no second-guessing. When I think about how I made decisions every day, I definitely take fact into account but much of my decision is based on emotion - how it will effect me, the kids, Marty. Guess that makes me much more of an emotional person than a reasonable one. Don't tell Marty, I've worked very hard to convince him that my decisions are absolutely reasonable and sound.
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As much as I am enjoying the book, I wouldn't say I identify with anyone. The way it is written you are entirely inside the head of an autistic boy. This makes it difficult to really understand the motivations of the other characters since they are all seen through the prism of an autistic mind. The mom's letters are really the only time (so far) that you are able to get inside someone else's head, and I didn't like her much.
That said, I guess I identify with Christopher only because he is the one I know best. He is actually making me pause to reassess the way I see things. Take a look at a room and try to imagine all the little details and patterns that Christopher would see. It's like a parallel universe.
My sympathies are with the dad. He is so clearly doing his best in a difficult situation.
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I would have to agree that reading from Christopher's perspective makes you think about your own decision-making process a little bit. I tend to do things on a whim depending on how I feel at any given moment so the scary realization is that i probably relate most to the mother! Although I can relate to the counting thing also, I have a habit of counting my steps while running and also while going up stairs (This must be hereditary because my mom and sister do it also)
Another scary realization is that Christopher's logical decision making is probably very similar to Ryan's, except I don't think he uses "maths" to help him along! But it is very frustrating trying to reason with someone who is way too logical. (And usuall he is right)
It is interesting that Christopher feels no ill feeling towards his mother after she left, yet because his father told the lie, he no longer can trust him.
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I started and finished the book last weekend. I thought it was an interesting and easy read. Lines from the movie "Rain Man" kept running through my head, especially "I'm an excellent driver" and "4 minutes to Wappner". It made me stop and evaluate the way I see things, especially the part where he criticized "normal" people for only seeing a field and a cow when he was able to list off 39 things he saw in that same field. I think we have had times when we overwhelmed by haveing alot to do, or so much information coming at you that you struggle to slow down and plan how you are going to organinze your work or thoughts when overwhelmed. I can't imagine how you would deal with that when it happens to you 24/7. As a parent, I can't imagine how I would deal with a child if I could not use touch as a means to communicate with them, Think of how often you hug your kids and the many different emotions you convey with a simple hug. Since I am already known publically as a geek, there are times when I do relate to Christopher. Some of the problem solving in my head, I like to do puzzles, I remember stupid details. But i can honesly say I don't know the answer to 2^45 and have never used that strategy to calm myself down. I also count steps when walking or running, especially when I am looking forward to being done. Pretending the mom was dead was very difficult to rationalize, and hard to figure out what a better solution whould have been. I had great empathy for the Dad. I thought it was a good book, out the "normal" books I choose. On the subject of Janet Evanovich, who do you want Stephanie to end up with, Morelli or Ranger? Do you think it will ever truely be one or the other?
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I'm a little disappointed. Of all my friends, you're certainly the most scientific, I thought for sure you'd be the most likely to follow all the "maths".
I think it's really funny how many of us have admitted to counting steps while we're doing things. Sometimes when I'm putting Sophie to bed I swear I've counted into the thousands. Maybe I ought to do something more productive during that time, like repeat all the names of the states or presidents in alphabetical or chronological order. You know, just to take a break from the numbers.
Morelli or Ranger? Hard to say. I've only read two of the books, so I'm a little underqualified to give a definitive answer.
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