Pages 1-4
Where in the book does Haddon include nonlinear narration?
Any of the following:
1.) page 2/Chapter 3
2.) page 3/Chapter 5
3.) page 4, Chapter 7
4.) Chapter 11, 13, or 17
READ THE LINES FROM PAGE 8.
"The policeman took hold of my arm and lifted me onto my feet.
I didn't like him touching me like this.
And this is when I hit him. "
What is the effect on the reader of leaving the sentences short and separated into three paragraphs?
The effects shows how dire the situation is. And that it is a high-stress situation.
The author might be revealing to the reader that Christopher has a curious way to looking at things and wanted the reader to notice right off. (developmental disorder)
READ THE LINES FROM PAGE 8.
"The policeman took hold of my arm and lifted me onto my feet.
I didn't like him touching me like this.
And this is when I hit him. "
What does this convey about Christopher?
Christopher is a really concrete thinker. Can't be touched so his response is to defend himself. (developmental delay)
What is the difference between an author and a narrator?
Author = Writer of the novel or book
Narrator = Voice telling the story
From the student packet readings on these two subjects,
TITLE: WHOM CAN YOU TRUST? Reliable or Unreliable.
TITLE: THE MADMAN/THE MADWOMAN
Give at least three reasons that a narrator may not be dependable (unreliable)?
Any or all of the responses.
1. Immature or Inexperienced. (Naif or Innocent)
2. May be a Child and not able to comprehend the situation fully.
3. "Crazy" narrators with severe personality disorders.
4. Criminal narrators.
5. Outsiders or not apart of the main group.
Go back to Chapter 2 on pages 1-2. What was the first detail that made you perceive (figure out) something was curious (strange) about this narrative?
List any of the following:
1. Starts w/ narrator telling us that someone killed a dog.
2. Pitchfork sticking out the dog.
3. The book started at chapter 2.
4. Christopher holding the bloody dog in his arms.
5. Many other answers...
When and where had Christopher been unreliable, in your opinion?
Which category of unreliable narrator might you put Christopher in?
*Use vocabulary words.
Varying responses. . .
1. Unreliable due to him being an "outsider". He didn't witness the death of Wellington.
2. Train station when talking to police.
3. When he talks about other kids at school: he describes why people they do certain things.
What might Mark Haddon (the author) have chosen to narrate this story through the perspective of someone who perceives things in such a curious manner?
Any or all of the following answers:
1. To interest readers
2. To hook us readers.
3. To show readers that this is a different type of story.
4. Show us incidents through an uncommon lens. (ASD Lens)
5. Create mystery or a lack of "sureness" (trust).
Read the two excerpts below:
I put my hands over my ears and closed my eyes and rolled forward till I was hunched up with my forehead pressed onto the grass. The grass was wet and cold. It was nice. (p. 4)
It was nice in the police cell. It was almost a perfect cube, 2 meters long by 2 meters wide by 2 meters high. (p. 14)
Compare Christopher’s descriptions and reactions in both instances. What are the similarities between the two?
Any of the following responses...
1. Christopher enjoyed simple descriptions with little detail.
2. Christopher enjoys calming down in simple spaces.
3. Christopher likes structured environments.
4. Christopher is logical thinking person with developmental disorders, he finds comfort in those places when he is triggered.