Mark Haddon's `The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' explores the strengths and weaknesses of both parental figures Ed and Judy, throughout the course of the novel. This is primarily done through Christopher's eyes allowing the reader to feel sympathetic towards both parents, as the difficulties of caring for a child with Aspergers Syndrome is unveiled. The reader's opinion of the parents vacillates as a new stylistic approach is introduced; the letters, which allow the mother to plead her case. The alterations of the storyline and order of events are also stylistic measures taken by Haddon which evoke feelings of pity, empathy and compassion in the reader. However by the end of the novel the reader feels more sympathetic towards Ed.

The pedantic descriptions and retelling of events through Christopher's eyes allows the readers to get an insight into the Boon family life. His writing lacks...