Characters
Who narrates the novel, giving us a logical and honest perspective?
Christopher Boone.
What is unusual about the way the chapters are numbered
They follow prime numbers → shows Christopher’s logical mindset
Where does Christopher live at the start of the novel?
Swindon
What does Wellington’s death symbolise?
Truth being uncovered; start of the lies being revealed.
What main idea is explored through Christopher’s dislike of lies?
Truth, lies and trust
How does Ed break Christopher’s trust, and what idea does this connect to?
He lies about Judy being dead and kills Wellington → Truth, lies and trust.
Why is it important that the story is told in first-person?
It gives us Christophers unique perspective, hleping us to understand the difference in how he thinks versus someone who is neurotypical.
What does Swindon represent for Christopher?
Safety and routine but also hidden lies.
What does the Swiss Army knife represent for Christopher?
Security and protection.
How does Ed’s deception connect to family and trust?
It shows betrayal damages relationships.
Why are Judy’s letters important to understanding her role in the story?
They show she cared and wanted contact, but Ed hid them → Truth, lies and trust.
Which event in the plot completely changes Christopher's view of his father?
Discovering the letters from his Mum (Judy) and learning his father (Ed) killed Wellington.
How does the London subway setting highlight Christopher's independence?
It's overwhelming and chaotic, but her survives it on his own → shows bravery and independence.
How do maths and logic puzzles help Christopher cope with the world?
Betrayal through Ed’s deception but also Judy’s enduring care.
What does Christopher’s journey to London show us about independence?
That bravery and resilience allow growth.
How does Christopher’s journey to London show his development as a character?
He overcomes fear and proves his independence → Bravery and independence.
How does the journey to London act as the climax of the novel's structure?
It's the most dramatic test of Christopher's bravery and independence.
Why is the school an important setting for Christopher?
It’s a safe place where he feels supported by Siobhan.
What do Judy’s letters symbolise in relation to truth and lies?
Betrayal through Ed’s deception but also Judy’s enduring care.
Why is honesty so important in the novel, and how is this shown through an aspect?
Shown through character - Christopher’s honesty contrasts with Ed’s lies → highlights the importance of telling the truth and being honest.
Compare how Ed and Judy represent different sides of family and trust.
Ed represents betrayal and broken trust; Judy represents flawed love and eventual reunion → Truth, lies and trust
The opening and resolution (ending) mirror each other (Wellington's death vs getting a new puppy, Sandy), what do they represent in terms of Christopher's growth?
Both are key events, Christopher begins depdendent and confused but ends with indpendence, hope and success (A-Level Maths)
Compare how Swindon and London symbolise different stages of Christopher’s growth
Swindon = safety but betrayal; London = challenges and independence.
How do Sandy (the new dog) and Toby (the rat) symbolise different forms of trust and companionship?
Toby = loyalty and comfort; Sandy = rebuilding trust and new beginnings.
Choose one aspect (character, setting, structure, or symbol) and explain how it deepens our understanding of a main idea.
(Any valid answer, e.g. Wellington’s death as a symbol reveals truth vs lies).