The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Introduction

"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" is a novel by Mark Haddon, telling the story of Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old boy who discovers the dead body of his neighbor's dog and resolves to solve the mystery of its death. The story is narrated by Christopher, who is on the autism spectrum, providing a unique perspective on the events that unfold.

Plot Overview

Discovery of Wellington

The novel begins with Christopher finding the dog, Wellington, dead with a garden fork sticking out of it.

Christopher's Character

Christopher Boone introduces himself, revealing his affinity for mathematics, his difficulty in understanding human emotions, and his reliance on facial expression charts drawn by his teacher, Siobhan.

Initial Reactions

His immediate emotional response to the dog's death and his interaction with Mrs. Shears, the dog's owner, set the stage for the narrative.

Murder Mystery Novel

Christopher decides to write a murder mystery novel about Wellington's death, as he enjoys puzzles and logic.

Encounter with Police

His investigation leads to an encounter with the police, where Christopher's unique way of thinking becomes apparent.

Arrest and Release

Christopher is arrested for hitting a police officer but is later released with a caution.

Understanding the Universe

Throughout the novel, Christopher's thoughts on the universe and his love for science and mathematics are interwoven with the narrative, providing insight into his perspective of the world.

Investigation Progresses

Gathering Evidence

Christopher begins gathering evidence for his investigation into Wellington's death.

Discovering Family Secrets

In the process, Christopher uncovers various family secrets.

Father's Confession

His father eventually confesses to killing Wellington in a fit of anger.

Journey to London

Escaping to London

Feeling unsafe with his father, Christopher decides to travel to London alone to find his mother.

Challenges Faced

The trip is fraught with difficulties due to his sensory sensitivities and difficulties in interpreting social cues