The Curious Incident Of The Dog in the Night-Time

Isolation 

Love 

Fear 

Identity

Truth





"And maybe it is easier living on your own looking after some stupid mutt than sharing your life with actual human beings."


Written just after Christopher discovers the truth about his mother, this quote signifies the fear of isolation that Christopher's father struggles with. The only person he has to reach out to is his son, who most of the time wants nothing to do with humans whatsoever. This is the point where he conveys that life would sure be easier without Christopher's behavior, but at the same time would become much more empty, as Christopher is all he has. The memories are now raw of how his wife left, and having to explain why he covered it up does not help Christopher's father.


"Life is difficult, you know. Its bloody hard telling the truth all the time."




This quote connects the theme of truth or the lack of to the acts that Christopher's father committed. He ended up killing Wellington because he did not want to accept the truth, and he ultimately lied to Christopher in order to lesson the blow. Yet, this quote also proves that lies often come back to bite you, as shown with the father and son's crippled relationship. This quote can also be tied back to Christopher, as he has a tendency to lie to an extent by withholding the whole truth. 

As an introvert myself, I understand how life might be seen as easier if lived in isolation rather than with other. Is this a good idea? For sure not, but it would have its pros. Christopher's dad is living in virtual isolation, as Christopher does not behave adequately in any social situations. He sees the pros that Mrs. Shears is enjoying by living away from the influences of people, and he is remotely jealous of her lack of responsibility to others.




Within the context of the world, truth is something that is necessary to hear, but it may not be something that we are wanting to hear. The truth can hurt, just as it hurt Christopher and his relationship with his father. Yet through this hurt is an understanding that must be achieved. Once this understanding is found between Christopher and his father, they can slowly begin to reform their bond from the damage that the truth caused. This is true of most things, as even the most hurt of relationships can be rebuilt, even if it not back to their original form.