The Curious Incident...: Context

The Curious Incident…: Context

Mark Haddon’s Background

  • Professional Expertise: Haddon has worked with autistic individuals in his professional life, giving him deeper understanding of their world view, as reflected in Christopher’s character.
  • The Depiction of Autism: Although “The Curious Incident…” is not explicitly labelled as a book about autism, the protagonist exhibits traits commonly associated with Asperger’s syndrome. Haddon has stated that he is not an expert on the subject, but he researched to create a unique character.
  • Open Interpretation: Haddon intended for the novel to be interpreted more broadly about difference and being an outsider, rather than strictly a representation of autism.

Social and Cultural Context

  • Postmodernism: The novel reflects postmodern elements such as fragmentation, paranoia, and the unreliable narrator.
  • Understanding Disability: Published in 2003, the novel emerged when there was growing societal interest in understanding different spectrums of mental health and neurodiversity.
  • Changing Family Dynamics: The dysfunctional family relationships mirror changing family structures and dynamics in contemporary society.

Literary Context

  • Mystery and Detective Genre: The novel takes a form of a detective story. However, it subverts the genre as the resolution provides emotional, rather than action-filled, climax.
  • Unreliable Narrator: Christopher, affected by his perception of the world, serves as an unreliable narrator. This narrative technique establishes a unique perspective and challenges readers’ understanding of the story.
  • First-Person Narration: The novel is written in first-person narration, placing readers directly into the mindset of Christopher, allowing for a deeper understanding of his experiences.

Remember, understanding the context in which “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” was written can provide deeper insight into its themes and characterisation. Contextual factors often influence a writer’s perspectives and the way they shape characters and narratives.