Christopher Boone Personality

Archetypes are expected examples of a person, action, or thing. In The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon, there are two archetypes I will discuss. The first archetype is the hero archetype, best portrayed by Christopher, the main character in the book. The second archetype is the evil figure with a good heart, best portrayed by Christopher’s dad, Ed Boone.

Ed Boone has good intentions toward Christopher and only wishes the best for him, even though his actions and decisions are not always the best. He hid the letters, that Christopher’s mother sent Christopher. He also lied to Christopher about his mother, telling Christopher that she died of a heart attack. Even though the things Ed did look evil and bad hearted, he did it out of love. Just like he killed Wellington, Mrs. Shears dog, because he loved her and she rejected him, and Ed got out of control. Ed lied and hid the letters from Christopher because Christopher, being a person with special needs, did not feel sad and take the divorce and separation of his parents too deeply and harshly. Ed also did this so Christopher would not leave him, because Ed loves him a lot. After Ed found out that Christopher read the letters, he apologized and said, “I’m sorry, Christopher, I’m so, so sorry” [Page 114]. Ed even said and told Christopher it was for his safety and for good, that it was all for a good cause. Ed said,

big event and lead Ed to his next card and clues. 2. Why does Ed feel guilty at the end of the game?

Edward is represented as the creation of an intelligent inventor, yet before Edward could be “completed” the inventor passed away. This had a long-term effect on Edward as he was left confused, alienated, alone and most importantly, “incomplete” literally, and metaphorically. This contrast, symbolizes the complex feelings associated with alienation and ostracism, and the destructive effects it has on individuals, leading them to create barriers of isolation, and lack of acceptance and understanding. William struggles to form a sense of identity because of the emotional abuse that was inflicted upon him during his placement with an unidentified male. And Edward suffers from a sense of identity, as he was never able to establish on, through social interactions, Edward is intrigued by those around who to him seem to be, unique and different, while those around Edward believe him to be unique and one of a kind, accepting him for “ The years spent in isolation have not given him the tools to judge from right or wrong. The snow represented the change he brought to the people and especially Kim. It showed how he blossomed, and when the chaos of his visit came and left, he still left his mark behind to the town. Before Edward visited it had never snowed, and now every year it does. This is because even though Edward was looked down upon at the end, he still wanted to show people he can create beauty and not just destruction. Edward wanted them to feel a sense of belonging, maybe not with him but with each other, with the town’s community. understood by us as an audience that the need to belong is significant in our world as it is through the healing process in our relationships and experiences that the human

Edward’s differences are viewed negatively by society as he is encouraged to conform. By having scars visible on his face, Peg makes an effort to mask Edwards imperfections. She is unfamiliar with his fair complexion as everyone in the neighborhood has glowing smooth skin and therefore she urges to “help with the scars”. While Peg applies a concealing cream on Edwards face, she insinuates that “blending is the secret” which symbolizes how blending into society will help Edward conform. This suggests that Edwards flaws are not accepted and how society pressures to cover up your differences because uniformity is acknowledged. As the family warms up to Edward in their home, Bill suggests that Edward gets a job to earn money like everyone else in the community. He says that having a job is the “greatest satisfaction” a man can have. This insinuates that men are conformed to have a job and earn money for their family. Edward decides to make an effort and get a loan to start up his own business at the local bank which is painted white and black symbolizing the dull and homogenous life the society lives in. Edward is rejected by the bank authorities when he finds that Edward has no previous bank records and therefore “may as well not even exists.” This implies that by Edward not having a job, he is not welcome to exist in society as they are not willing to give others who are different a chance. As humanity negatively views Edwards differences, Burton displays how humans encourage outcast to conform to society.

Ed Boone adores his son, and gives up a lot to take care of Christopher but, the reader may get a bad vibe off of Ed because sometimes he has a breakdown and erupts at Christopher. “Father replied …’why not?’ ”(49). When Ed yells and frightens, his son Chris, he is getting scared and is slowly losing his trust in his dad. When Ed realizes that his relationship with Chris would end in ruins if he finds out that he has killed the dog; he tells Christopher that they aren’t friends with Mrs. Shears anymore, so that he would leave the dogs’ murder alone sense there isn’t a reason to care. That’s his first mistake, he should have left Christopher alone to play detective because it is nearly impossible to trace the death of Wellington back to Ed.

Eddie’s perception of life and the role of animals changed after he watched a kitten for a brief period, and when he was mugged near to death. The kitten that he watched for a friend challenged his perception of the animal, and eventually led to him adopting many cats of his own because of the small little kitten. While being mugged, Eddie screamed for help from passerby, who ultimately ignored him. He related that incident to how animals

Fortunately, the novel reclaims momentum and suspense as Ed is tasked with Ace of Spades, particularly 23 Clown Street. The second assignment, 23 Clown Street, provides the audience insight regarding Beverly’s (Ma) hatred towards Ed and the legacy of his father. Initially, Zusak creates apprehension as Ed visits Melusso’s restaurant various times without any change. Apprehension escalates as a conflict is introduced: Ed’s mother dines with another man. This moment transcends the need for language, and empathy is truly established. Zusak allows for the audience to experience the shock, anger, and sadness in which Ed is enduring. Ed’s confrontation with Ma at her house creates tension as Ed finally questions her hatred. Unsurprisingly, Ma mercilessly scorns Ed to the extent that the audience experiences the excruciating pain and confusion that Ed endures. This portrayed flawlessly through characterization and powerful figurative language that truly captures the intensity of Ed’s emotions. However, Zusak bewilders the readers as Ed finally rises up to his mother. This scene provides satisfaction to the audience as he exclaims every thought, emotion that has been concealed within him. Simultaneously, the audience witnesses a significant progression of Ed’s character as he no longer accepts the criticism of his mother. However, it is Ed’s epiphany of the definition of success which astonishes the readers as they bear witness to Ed’s development.

Christopher is very different to normal people as he has Asperger’s Syndrome, a mental illness which deprives him of his social abilities and emotional interpretation. Christopher changes from an innocent unknowing boy to one of newfound truths and knowledge. At the start of the book he is very shy and protective of himself, only talking to those that he trusts. The author writes “It takes me a long time to get used to people I do not know. For example, when there is a new member of staff at school I do not talk to them for weeks and weeks. I just watch until I know that they are safe”.

Zusak portrays Ed as a simple, ordinary guy with no special talents or skills that set him apart. Ed often uses sarcasm, wit, and self-depreciating humour to describe himself, and even comments on how incompetent he is at life. This shows that Ed has a very humble and modest persona of himself. This is supported by the quote from Ed 'No, I'm not a saint, Sophie. I'm just another stupid human.'

Trust is something that is built over time but can be broken in a matter of seconds. Christopher and his father have a very tempestuous relationship that changes over the course of the novel. In the novel, the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon Christopher's father tries to regain Christopher’s love and trust after he loses it, due to a number of problems that he causes while trying to protect his son that he loves very much. Christopher John Francis Boone, the protagonist, struggles to figure out what his feelings are towards his father as he tries to forgive him for the problems he has caused in his life. Throughout the novel, their trust is tested, as they try to conquer different obstacles that are a result of

Ed has many fears in the novel, The Messenger, and his greatest fear is to 'not end up like his father'. His dad is an alcoholic, quiet man whom does not have a bad word for anyone and works everyday. In addition, Ed wants words at his funeral unlike his dad. His mum always describes him as a

As the novel progresses, so does the Characterization of Christopher. From originally being an awkward adolescent, our protagonist discovers that he can do anything he sets his mind to. Instead of hectically going over everything his brain needs to process, Christopher looks to the things he finds comfort in, such as, logic, arithmetic or math problems. Throughout his journey, Whenever Christopher found himself in a frustrated position, he began to recite complicated numbers

Many believe that those with autism do not have the capacity of developing moral agency without empathy. Kids at a young age are taught the lessons of good and bad of what other people see as good that impacts on them as they grow up. The same concept goes with Christopher in the novel of, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon, that endorse the fact that he has autism is able to learn right and wrong without feelings. He is viewed as naïve, but gives that sense of innocence of nature through the way he portrays his thoughts to action. To fully understand Christopher on whether he has moral agency is better

This quote is evident of Christopher’s ability to make risky decisions and follow through with them, especially since this is uncharacteristic of him. In addition, Christopher does not recognize that travelling on a train by himself is unsafe when he has never travelled on a train before. Christopher assumes he knows everything like planning his routes, but going to London from Swindon is not considered to be a train set toy. This emphasizes that Christopher does not have a rational explanation to what he does instead, makes decisions in haste to attempt risks that can be dangerous for him. As can be seen, analysing the novel from Christopher’s point of view shows how he develops to become a dynamic character by conquering his fears and in turn, allows him to be self-motivated.