Curious Flashcards
(42 cards)
Christopher finds it difficult to comprehend humour
“I cannot tell jokes, because I do not understand them”
Christopher has interest in creatures that appeal to his sense of logic
“I like dogs. You always know what a dog is thinking”
Christopher finds it difficult to comprehend other people
“I find people confusing”
It shows that Christopher prefers to be secluded to his imagination and himself
“…pretend that I am the only person in the world”
Christopher has an interest in creatures that appeal to his sense of logic
“I like dogs. You always know what a dog is thinking”
Christopher, despite not liking company, does appreciate its benefits and therefore would like some in the future.
“I can have company and not be on my own.” (by marrying a lady)
It exhibits that Christopher is not claustrophobic and that being alone is much more of a lifestyle than a preference.
This highlights one of Christopher’s coping mechanisms, where he isolates himself from others by going into a confined space. Most people may experience claustrophobia, but Christopher finds comfort in doing this
“And I like really little spaces, so long as there is no one else in them with me”
“…sit there and think for hours and it makes me feel very calm.”
This shows the readers that Christopher is not comfortable with physical and emotional connections between his family members. It is evident that he separates himself from society as well as his family. To show emotional attachment may be considered something that is deeper to Christopher.
“I do not like people hugging me, so we do this instead [fingertip touching].”
Christopher can find comfort in places where others cannot. This shows that he is ‘different’
“It was nice in the police cell.”
Although Christopher despises lies, he makes excuses to say white lies
“A white lie is not a lie at all. It is where you tell the truth but you do not tell all of the truth.”
As Christopher has trouble reading people, it is hard for him to tell if someone is joking or being serious. He may consider someone’s ‘jokes’ as a lie, so that is why he is so set on the truth.
“… I don’t like proper novels, because they are lies about things which didn’t happen, and they make me feel shaky and scared.”
This suggests that Christopher not being able to tell lies goes beyond his desire, to tell the truth, but rather sees it as physical incapability and a commitment to remain logical.
“I do not tell lies. … it is not because I am a good person. It is because I can’t tell lies”
Christopher values truth because he stands by it
“yes, I always tell the truth.”
Christopher is motivated and determined to achieve what he wants. He also stands out as he is one of the only people in his school to take A-Level Maths.
“…I’m going to take my A level in maths and I’m going to get an A grade”
Christopher wants to escape his father as he does not trust him anymore. He believes that his father could kill him. this displays how much Christopher values honesty- to the point where he believes that it is time to run away from his home
“That meant he [ed] could murder me, because I couldn’t trust him, even though he said, ‘Trust me’ because he had told a lie about a big thing.”
Ed aims to resonate and rekindle his relationship with his son. this shows that he is determined to regain his trust
“We all make mistakes, Christopher… And sometimes they’re really big mistakes. We’re only human.”
Ed reveals why he did not show Christopher Jude’s letters. this is a pivotal point of the novel at is the point where their relationship deteriorates.
“I did it for your own good, Christopher… I never meant to lie… I was going to show them to you when you were older.”
Christopher places a lot of emotional trust in his father. love, according to him, is to be honest
“He always tells me the truth, which means that he loves me.”
As Jude leaves Christopher, she misses him dearly. She sends him letters struggling to cope with her actions.
“And I remember that night I just cried and cried and cried”
“I think about you all the time”
“I’d love if you would write me a letter”
Jude wants Christopher to reciprocate her love for him.
“I love you, but… I don’t know what I’ll do.’
“I hope you don’t stay angry with me forever.
“I think about you all the time”
Christopher’s mother explained how she felt she wasn’t relevant. This was a major contributor to her decision to move.
“I remember looking at the two of you and seeing you together and thinking how you really were different with him. Much calmer.
Christopher has different coping mechanisms when it comes to experiencing conflict.
“I rolled back onto the lawn and pressed my forehead to the ground again and made the noise that Father calls groaning.”
When Ed and Christopher get into a physical fight, he states this:
“I had no memories for a short while…It was like some had switched me off and then switched me on again.”
Christopher states what love is and what it means to him
“loving someone is helping them when they get into trouble.”
