The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Chapter 59 Quotes
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Chapter 59 Quotes
How we cite the quotes:
Quote 1
And this is because when people tell you what to do it is usually confusing and does not make sense.
For example, people often say "Be quiet," but they don't tell you how long to be quiet for. Or you see a sign which says KEEP OFF THE GRASS but it should say KEEP OFF THE GRASS AROUND THIS SIGN or KEEP OFF ALL THE GRASS IN THIS PARK because there is lots of grass you are allowed to walk on. (59.3-4)
We don't know about this one. Christopher's an unbelievably bright kid. Just as he's learned about skills like being polite and chatting, shouldn't he be able to infer what this kind of sign really indicates? We know he values exactitude, but this seems like an example of him just wanting to show how most people are, as he says, "stupid" (139.8).
Quote 2
This is because I do not always do what I am told.
And this is because when people tell you what to do it is usually confusing and does not make sense. (59.2-3)
Here's an interesting juxtaposition: Christopher feels confined (we might even say imprisoned) by being unable to understand directions. This allows him to justify not following said directions, leaving him free to do whatever the heck he wants.