Vocabulary
What does disoriented mean?
Confused and unable to think clearly.
What did Christopher find in the shirt box? How did this move the plot forward?
Mother's letters; Christopher discovers that Mother is not dead and Father is a liar.
What is metacognition?
Thinking about your thinking
Why did Christopher leave Father?
He was scared of him; Father lied.
Who's voice: "And it was strange because __ was calling, 'Christopher…? Christopher…?' and I could see my name was written out as __ was saying it."
Father
What are ramifications?
A consequence of an action or event.
Christopher got lost, Christopher had to cope with his fear and anxiety, Christopher got caught by a police officer, Christopher used his resources and found his way around, Christopher almost got hit by a train
What is the Autism spectrum?
a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.
Why did Mother leave Christopher?
She didn't think she was a good Mother?
Who's voice: "Then __ said, 'The lady at the café says you’ve been here for 2 ½ hours, and when she tried talking to you, you were in a complete trance.'"
The policeman at the train station
What is an endeavor?
An attempt to achieve a goal.
How did Christopher's relationship with Father change?
Once Christopher found out Father lied and killed Wellington, his trust was shattered and he was terrified of Father.
What is sensory processing?
The way the brain receives, organizes and responds to sensory input
Why does Christopher feel better when he sees that the trains are on an organized schedule?
"I was so cross and I wanted to take you out of the shop but you wouldn’t let me touch you and you just lay on the floor and screamed and banged your hands and feet on the floor"
Mother in her letter
What is negligible?
So small or unimportant as to be not worth considering
What was Christopher's experience at his Mother's house in London like?
He wasn't happy, he didn't like Mr. Shears, his old routines didn't fit in with them
What is sensory overload?
When your brain can't process everything it senses.
Why does Christopher sit and stare at the train station for hours?
He is experiencing sensory overload.
"And then I will get a First Class Honors degree and I will become a scientist."
Christopher
What does it mean to compensate?
To make up for some defect or weakness
Describe the end of the book.
Mother leaves Mr. Shears and gets her own home with Christopher. Father is allowed to visit. Christopher takes his A level and scores well.
What is social cognition?
The ability to understand social cues
Why does Mother and Christopher leave Mr. Shears?
Mom doesn't feel safe and Mr. Shears doesn't care about Christopher.
"I just had to sit there and there was nothing to do except to wait and to hurt."
Christopher