The Curious Case of Christopher's "Disability": Critical and Psychological Perspectives on Haddon's Novel Janelle Askew College

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time introduces fifteen-year-old Christopher Boone, whose counselor has suggested that he write a book. Christopher's book is about his quest to find out who murdered his neighbors' dog; however, while searching for clues about the dog Christopher learns new things about the world, his family, and himself. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is written in first person and with Christopher as the narrator. It is from this perspective that the reader is forced to see the inner works of Christopher's brain, and how he interprets the world. From this, the reader can begin to process how even, what could be considered the most obvious signs that Christopher is disabled, are really just logical thoughts, and adaptive language skills. This essay argues that through it’s simple plot, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time manages to show the reader the ways in which a disability places social constraints on people who have disabilities. Through Christopher’s seemingly easy quest to discover who killed his next door neighbors dog, he is able to demonstrate the social confines of disability and its factitious standards.

Sarah Ray argues that Christopher can't be...