Ethical Issues and Christopher’s Self-Exploration in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Abstract

This study selects Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and analyzes the inner world of Christopher, a 15-year-old boy suffering from Asperger’s syndrome. It explores how he processes his family’s ethical problems as well as his ego and his disabilities. The issue of autism, particularly Asperger’s syndrome, has not been of much interest in children’s literature. Because of his Asperger’s syndrome, Christopher’s mental, emotional, and social deficiencies affect his family and society, and his growth process also causes ethical problems in his family. In particular, his parents’ ethical shortcomings is one of the key topics in the novel, which has many implications for today’s society. Christopher notices that he clearly belongs to a minority in society and feels isolated, but he also has the inner courage to carry out the self-exploration that the main characters try in most children’s literature. However, it remains to be questioned whether Christopher will be able to mature and gain the awareness to have a smooth social life with others. This novel shines a spotlight on those living with Asperger’s syndrome and inviting readers into their inner world.