The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

In a crowd of people, Christopher sometimes curls up in a ball and groans. Why does he do this? What other techniques does he use to calm himself in a crush of strangers? How do these techniques help him?

Math, science, and Sherlock Holmes have similarities. Suggest a few of them and explain why they appeal to Christopher.

Christopher becomes terrified that his father might harm him. He also is afraid of leaving him. Why is he so scared of each, and how does he resolve the dilemma?

To better communicate with people, Christopher has developed a few workarounds. Describe two of these and explain how they help him express himself and/or understand others.

Why does Christopher believe he would make a good astronaut? Include three reasons and explain why you agree or disagree. What does this have to do with his feeling “apart” from the human race?

Christopher’s parents make sacrifices to bring their family back together. What does his father give up? What does his mother give up? How do these sacrifices create a safe place for Christopher?

Lies, metaphors, and fiction upset Christopher, yet he enjoys the Sherlock Holmes tales. Why does he make exceptions for these and other mystery stories? What does he especially admire in Sherlock?

Christopher respects the police, yet twice he defies them. Describe briefly these two incidents and explain why Christopher behaves that way.