Independence

Test yourself

Theme of Independence

The play can be read as a Coming of Age drama in which Christopher succeeds in becoming more independent.

Challenges from Autism

Christopher’s autism presents him with many challenges.
Stephens shows us that Christopher finds it difficult to communicate effectively with other people (“I find people confusing”) and that he often becomes extremely distressed when dealing with other people (e.g. in the opening scenes, Mrs Shears and the Policeman).

Christopher's investigation

Christopher’s investigation takes him out of his comfort zone in that he has to approach and try to communicate to total strangers.
Although Stephens uses the ‘investigation scenes’ to create comedy from the communication difficulties between Christopher and his interviewees, the audience can recognise the courage (or stubbornness) that Christopher shows in defying his father (who wants him to end the investigation) and attempting to engage with other adults.

Journey to London

Christopher’s journey to London is the real test of his ability to navigate his surroundings outside of his comfort zone and, despite several obstacles and setbacks, he succeeds in navigating across London and finding his mother.
Christopher’s determination to sit his A-level Maths exam is also rewarded.

Significance of 'appearances'

But these achievements do not come easily.
Stephens presents Christopher at moments of crisis in Part Two (getting on the Tube; sitting his Maths exam) as being helped by characters such as Ed and Siobhan who suddenly ‘appear’ on stage to reassure and guide him.
These ‘appearances’ can be read as a visual demonstration of Christopher’s growing independence as he is able to recall and use the ‘coping strategies’ taught to him by them.

Quotation - coping strategies

“Stop groaning. Get your breath. Count the cubes of the cardinal numbers again.”

Listing achievements

Christopher lists his achievements to Siobhan at the very end of the play (“I found my mother. I was brave”) and uses them as proof that he can fulfil his ambitions of going to university, becoming a scientist and living in a house with a garden.

Challenges ahead

But the last line of the play, the repeated question, “Does that mean I can do anything?”, gives audiences the opportunity to reflect on the challenges which still lie ahead for Christopher.
We know that he has not fully settled into his new flat with Judy and that he will still occasionally wet himself if the shared toilet has not been cleaned by his mother first.
Despite his undoubted achievements, Christopher does not feel fully independent.

1Introduction & Context

1.1Novel & Play

1.1.1Mark Haddon's Novel (2003)

1.1.2Simon Stephens' Adaptions (2012)

1.2Christopher's Autism

1.2.1Christopher's Autism

1.2.2End of Topic Test - Introduction & Context

2Form, Structure & Language

2.1Dramatic Devices

2.1.1Writing About the Text as a Playscript

2.1.2Dramatic Devices

2.2Genre & Structure

2.2.1Genre

2.2.2Structure

2.3Language

2.3.1Language

2.3.2End of Topic Test - Form, Structure & Language

3Text Summary & Analysis

3.1Part One

3.1.1Discovering the Dead Dog & Christopher's Autism

3.1.2The Policeman & Siobhan

3.1.3The Police Station & Ed's Entry

3.1.4Mother's Death & Beginning the Investigation

3.1.5Ed's Frustrations & Revisiting Mrs Alexander

3.1.6Remembering Judy & "Fight" Scene

3.1.7Judy's Letters

3.1.8Ed's Confession

3.1.9End of Topic Test - Part One

3.1.10End of Topic Test - Part One 2

3.2Part Two

3.2.1Preparing to Run Away & Train Station

3.2.2On the Train & Arriving in London

3.2.3On the Tube & Arriving at Judy's House

3.2.4Policeman, Ed Visits & Tensions

3.2.5Back in Swindon & New Beginnings

3.2.6The End & Maths Appendix

3.2.7End of Topic Test - Part Two

3.2.8End of Topic Test - Part Two cont....

4Themes

4.1Themes

4.1.1Independence

4.1.2Parenting

4.1.3Order & Disorder

4.1.4End of Topic Test - Themes

Jump to other topics