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How does Stephens present Christopher's difficulties in dealing with other people in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time? Write about: • what Christopher says and does • how Stephens presents Christopher's difficulties in dealing with other people. - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 9 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 9
How does Stephens present Christopher's difficulties in dealing with other people in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time? Write about: • what Christo... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:How does Stephens present Christopher's difficulties in dealing with other people in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time? Write about: • what Christopher says and does • how Stephens presents Christopher's difficulties in dealing with other people. - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 9 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
what Christopher says and does
Answer
Christopher exhibits significant difficulties in communication, often expressing himself with blunt honesty. For instance, when he meets new people, such as the policeman and his teacher, he struggles to offer small talk or understand social cues. His literal interpretation of language leads him to miss nuances that most people take for granted. This is evident when he reacts to questions he considers irrelevant or intrusive, which showcases his discomfort in social interactions. Furthermore, Christopher’s tendency to retreat into his own logical thinking shows how he deals with stressful situations, such as analyzing how to react rather than engaging in a conversation.
Step 2
how Stephens presents Christopher's difficulties in dealing with other people
Answer
Mark Haddon, the author, presents Christopher's difficulties through a juxtaposition of his perceptions and those of the people around him. For example, there is a stark contrast between Christopher’s logical reasoning and the emotional responses of others, which creates a dramatic gap that the audience can feel. This technique emphasizes the isolation Christopher experiences. Haddon also utilizes humor and irony to illustrate the absurdity of certain social expectations, bringing attention to the challenges individuals like Christopher face. Furthermore, there are moments in the narrative where Christopher’s reactions to events help illustrate the profound effects of his condition on his interactions. The author’s portrayal invites the audience to empathize with Christopher, highlighting broader social themes such as the difficulty in fitting in and the societal pressure for conformity.