Explore how Haddon presents the theme of truth and lies in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Remember to support your answer with relevant textual details.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme. The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. AO1: Respond to texts critically and imaginatively; select and synthesise relevant textual detail to support exploration and analysis.
2. AO2: Analyse the language, form and structure of texts, and and explain how these are used to create meanings and effects.
3. AO4: Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which texts were written and received.
4. AO5: Communicate clearly and cogently in writing, using appropriate vocabulary and grammar and accurate spelling and punctuation.
5. Indicative Content (Examiners should reward any valid interpretations):
6. - Candidates should explore how Haddon presents the theme of truth and lies in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
7. - Responses may include exploration of: Christopher’s inability/unwillingness to lie and his literal interpretation of truth; The lies told by his parents (e.g. his mother’s death, affair); The impact of these lies on Christopher and his trust; The distinction between 'white lies' or social conventions and deliberate deception; The search for truth as the central driving force of the narrative (Wellington’s murder); The unreliability of perception and memory (e.g. his father’s version of events); The idea that truth can be painful and challenging to accept.
8. - Candidates should also consider Haddon’s techniques in presenting the theme of truth and lies.
9. - For example, candidates may refer to: Language: Christopher’s direct and factual narration, his explicit statements about not lying, his logical deductions versus emotional responses; Structure: the detective narrative, the gradual unveiling of secrets, the epistolary form as a record of truth; Form: the use of internal monologue to show Christopher’s processing of information, the juxtaposition of Christopher’s logical approach with the emotional complexities of lies; Context: societal expectations regarding truthfulness, the psychological impact of deception, the ethics of withholding information, neurodiversity and communication.