Hi novel readers!
In this blog we can discuss the form and content of Mark Haddon's novel from 2003. Hopefully, we will have many creative an interesting discussions on our way towards a better understanding of the book.
Your personal opinions are very welcome here, but remember to be relevant and argue your points in an adult and proper manner. As a rule I (JT) will post questions and statements for you to answer and reflect upon, but you may also start your own discussions. If you do, remember to be relevant and serious.
Good luck!
How is Christopher as a person?
ReplyDeleteHow does Christopher feel about the death of Wellington?
Why does Chritopher call some days a "Black Day?" What is a Black Day?
Does Christopher have any special eating-habits or routines?
Christopher is a special young man. His life and himself are kind of A4, but also way different from a "normal" kid's life. His life from his point of view is simple/easy, but his life from other people's point of view can be explained as hard and difficult. Christopher is an unormal smart child who has a simple and a good life.
DeleteHe was kind of sad because he likes dogs, and special Wellington. Christopher was also very curious about the incident, and who the murder might was.
When Christopher sees 4 yellow cars in a row, it's a black day. On such days he doesn't speak to anyone, just sit on his own reading books, doesn't eat his lunch, and he takes no risks.
Christopher doesn't like yellow and brown, so he doesn't touch or eat anything with these colours. And the different food on his plate, can't touch each other, if so he can't eat it. Like if a carrot accidentally touches the salad he won't eat the carrot nor the salad.
Do you find Christophers relationship towards his dad normal compared to how other teenagers act upon their parents?
ReplyDeleteWhy does Christopher like numbers?
How is Christophers father as a person?
Do you think Christopher ever feel sad, if not, why?
1. I think they have a special relationship. Normal people hug each other and talk a lot more, especially if the child is young. But I get the feeling that this is something they never has done.
DeleteHow and why do you think Christopher reacted like he did, when Mrs. Alexander told him the truth about his mother and Mr. Shears?
ReplyDeleteWhy isn't Christopher allowed to talk to strangers?
ReplyDeleteWhy is Christoper able to connect with animals more easily than with human beings?
What was his first meeting with Mrs. Alexander like?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhy does Cristopher think it is so hard to communicate with people?
ReplyDeleteWhy is he so obsessed with finding the truth about Wellington?
Christopher thinks it's hard to communicate with people because he has problems with understanding other people’s emotions, thoughts, jokes and metaphors. He also finds it hard to trust others, especially strangers. I think it's important for Christopher to find the killer because of justice, and the fact that he really likes dogs. I also think that Christopher thinks it's exciting to try to solve the mystery, and that it becomes a hobby for him.
DeleteHow do you think Christopher felt when Mrs. Alexander told him the Mr. Shears was doing sex with his mother before she died?
ReplyDeleteI think Christopher felt a bit confused and hurt at the same time. I don't think he thought of his mother that way. It probably surprised him and I think he at the same time felt a bit hurt.
DeleteWhy won't Christopher tell anything but the truth?
ReplyDeleteOne of Chisophers fundamental values is telling the truth, and I think he also wants himself to live up to this ideal.
DeleteWhat do you think is the reason that Christopher is so fond of animals?
ReplyDeleteChristopher has problems with understanding human beings, and I think that he finds it easier to relate to animals, especially dogs, because they do not have all the complications of humans. For instance, they don't have the ability to talk back, but they're there whenever you need them and they are such good listeners.
DeleteIt might be hard to put yourself in Christophers shoes, but if you had to - how do you think you would've handled the situation? Would you have trusted your mother enough to go stay with her?
ReplyDeleteI would have been very carefull! She did after all admit that she was a bad mother in the letters she send him. If she did not handle him then, why should that be changed now? Of course Christopher is older now and more mature, but the Asperger`s syndrome is still there.
DeleteHow significant is it to the novel that Christopher has learning difficulties?
ReplyDeleteWhat is Siobhan's role in the novel?
Do you think you could’ve managed to be Christopher’s father? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteWhich person do you think of as the nicest against Christopher in the book and why is it this person?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCan you come up with some reasons why Christopher's father easy explodes in anger during stressful situations?
ReplyDeleteWhy do you think Christopher's father lied about the death of Christopher's mother?
Do you sympathize with the mother leaving the family?
What is Christophers reaction when he finds out about the death of Wellington?
ReplyDeleteHow does Christopher react when Mrs Alexander speaks to him?
Does Christopher like the colour yellow? If not, why?
What is the favourite colour of Christopher?
What would you do if you were the father of Christopher, and he had ran away?
ReplyDeleteIf you had to choose between Judy and Ed after you found the letters, who would you choose?
Is Judy a good mom?
Try to imagine yourself as Christopher’s friend at school, how would it be to have a friend like him?
ReplyDeleteWhat is the main theme of the book? Why?
Being Christopher's friend must have been quite a challenge, but I guess it would have been fine if I learned how to be patient and tolerant with him.
DeleteHow do you think you would react if you found out that your mother wasn’t dead after all?
ReplyDelete- Bendik
If you were Christopher, what would have been the first thing you did when you arrived in London?
ReplyDelete