Themes Found in the Novel
There are many themes in the story. Here are the top 3 themes in this book.
1) If you believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything.
} This is the exemplified the most when Christopher believed that he could make it to his mother's house. After finding out about his father’s lies, Christopher could no longer live with him and decided that he had to live with his mother. Though, Christopher would have to travel far away all, alone, facing many difficulties, he was determined to make it and had faith in himself to make it there.
} Another example is when Christopher was determined to take the A level math test. Not only that, but also to pass it with exceeding level. Christopher acknowledges that he was different from society, however, that never affected his self view or self confidence. He was positive that he was capable of succeeding in this exam even when the other had doubts because of his mental handicap.
} The last example is when Christopher solves the mystery to the dog murder. He shows that because he believed in himself that he was able to solve the mystery. Christopher was persisting in finding clues to solve the mystery and the results were successful. Though he had no experience before in doing detective, he believed that he could still find the culprit. Facing many challenges, Christopher was able to solve the mystery.
} Another example is when Christopher was determined to take the A level math test. Not only that, but also to pass it with exceeding level. Christopher acknowledges that he was different from society, however, that never affected his self view or self confidence. He was positive that he was capable of succeeding in this exam even when the other had doubts because of his mental handicap.
} The last example is when Christopher solves the mystery to the dog murder. He shows that because he believed in himself that he was able to solve the mystery. Christopher was persisting in finding clues to solve the mystery and the results were successful. Though he had no experience before in doing detective, he believed that he could still find the culprit. Facing many challenges, Christopher was able to solve the mystery.
Have you ever tried something similar in your life? Where self confidence helped you.
2) Having courage doesn’t mean you’re not afraid, it means you’re afraid but you do it anyway.
} This is demonstrated when Christopher’s dad, Ed reveals the secrets he has hidden about killing Wellington. Ed was afraid of that Christopher would no longer trust him, so he was reluctant to tell him the truth. But deep down, he knew Christopher needed to know and eventually, he did admit this to Christopher.
} Another moment when this is shown is when Christopher ran away. He was afraid of traveling alone, but he gathered up the courage in himself and escaped to his mother's place, surpassing many fears.
} Lastly, this theme is exemplified when Judy was afraid to leave Christopher, but she continued to leave because she wanted to be with Mr Sheers. Of course she was afraid of leaving Christopher, however, she needs to do this for herself and her well being.
} Another moment when this is shown is when Christopher ran away. He was afraid of traveling alone, but he gathered up the courage in himself and escaped to his mother's place, surpassing many fears.
} Lastly, this theme is exemplified when Judy was afraid to leave Christopher, but she continued to leave because she wanted to be with Mr Sheers. Of course she was afraid of leaving Christopher, however, she needs to do this for herself and her well being.
3) Think before you do something.
} Ed should have thought of the consequences when he killed the dog. Ed was blinded by his anger, however if he just stopped for a second to think, he would have surely not killed the dog. After he had done it, Ed regretted it right away demonstrating that we should think twice before we act.
} Judy, Christopher's mother should have thought about Christopher before having an affair and leaving. We understand that Judy was having trouble with Christopher, but she should have thought more about the consequences of leaving. How would this affect Christopher's and Ed’s left? There were other peoples' feelings she has to take into account before leaving the family in such a rush.
} Christopher should have bettered planned out his escape. Without devising a plan, he ran off. Thus, leaving many holes for his plan to be ruined. We understand that with his mental state, he had to leave his father. However, if he waited to think about his plan. It would have been easier to attain his destination, if he had thought about the outcomes of his actions.
} Judy, Christopher's mother should have thought about Christopher before having an affair and leaving. We understand that Judy was having trouble with Christopher, but she should have thought more about the consequences of leaving. How would this affect Christopher's and Ed’s left? There were other peoples' feelings she has to take into account before leaving the family in such a rush.
} Christopher should have bettered planned out his escape. Without devising a plan, he ran off. Thus, leaving many holes for his plan to be ruined. We understand that with his mental state, he had to leave his father. However, if he waited to think about his plan. It would have been easier to attain his destination, if he had thought about the outcomes of his actions.
Realistic
These themes are realistic because they are universal and very attainable. They are sensible and a practical idea of which we can achieve. Almost anyone, anywhere, could easily set out to complete these themes. For instance, for self-confidence, simply by setting up a goal and having self faith in achieving it you have successfully completed this theme. The next one is having courage when you are afraid. This is relatable to because at difficult times it is hard to have confidence and hope. However, those people are willing to take the risk even if they are frightened. Their courage helps them move forward. Proving it is possible and realistic, even if you don’t see it now. The last theme is thinking about the consequences. All actions come with a price, you would not buy something without checking the price. So why do we do things we regret the things we do? Just by thinking twice before you do something, you can fulfil this theme. Many have made the mistake by acting upon anger, they do not realize what they are doing, leading to severe consequences. Showcasing that think before we do something is a realistic theme.
Relavent to society
Yes, it is relevant to our society because it connects to everyone. Many people experience a lack of self confidence, indicating that it is relatable to the people in this society. This theme is a current problem that many people are facing it. Not only young children, but adults and also teens. People may lack self faith due to their physical appearance or their mental capability or intelligence. The next theme about undying faith at hard moments is also very relevant. We can see this in all parts of the worlds. For example, this theme can really connect to the people in third world countries. One of the most outstanding exemplar is Malala Yousafzai who is a female education activist in Pakistan. Of course she is frightened to stand up to her country, however, she continues to fight for the cause because it is what’s right in her heart. Lastly, the theme about thinking about the consequences is relevant to everyone. Everyday, we take action that forms our lives. We must always be thinking about the outcome of our actions and that is exactly what some people lack. Justifying that its relevant to our society.
Do you agree with this?
Connections
I can connect these themes to different text from our previous classes. The first theme connects to the story of the Paperman. He believed he could meet up with the girl and after many attempts his wish came true. The second theme is relatable to Sir Gawain and the Loathly Lady because Sir Gawain is scared to take the Loathly Lady’s hand in marriage like Christopher who is scared to leave home. But eventually, they both continue and complete the task. Lastly, I can connect the finale theme to Romeo and Juliet. Romeo resembles the characters in The Curious Incident because they both act hastily and don’t think about the consequences.
Can you make a text to self connection or a self to word connecion?