However towards the end of the novel Christopher grows as a person, gains maturity and is much more independent. This maturity and independence is gained from the help of Others. Throughout the course Of the novel Haddam shows us how Christopher is reliant of his support network which includes his father Deed Boone and Skibobs to function on a day to day basis.
Christopher is constantly relying on them to provide him with advice and guidance on how to behave appropriately and basic needs such as food, water and transportation.
He is constantly told by Skibobs not to use ‘ words such as spas’ when referring to other people as it may hurt their feelings. He is also told by Skibobs not to ‘ hit other children’ as it is unacceptable. Haddam shows us Christopher needs this social guidance as well as guidance on understanding others in unfamiliar situations.
When Christopher is taken into the police station he is dependent on his father to interpret and help him understand what the police are asking of him.
This is evident as the policeman said ‘ I have spoken to your father indicating that Christopher tater has already explained Christopher situation to them, as they are strangers and would not know of Christopher disability. On Christopher journey to London he was dependent on many strangers and would not have been able to reach London without their support and guidance. Haddam illustrates how Christopher repels and feels threatened by anyone who touches him when trying to assist him but takes the assistance offered by those who act in a similar way to his support network.
When a policeman asks Christopher ‘ how (you) he is (are)’ and respects Christopher wishes to to be touched. He helps Christopher by talking him to a ticket machine.
Christopher is also dependent on others to be aware of his surroundings. This is evident as Christopher jumped right onto the tracks and a man shouted ‘ Get out of there’ and then proceeded to save him from the oncoming train. Christopher is dependent on others in many aspects of life but towards the end of the novel we see Christopher change, grow and become more independent.
Towards the end of the novel Haddam shows us Christopher has grown as a person and is less dependent on others.
Christopher achieves his by using certain tactics such as routine, maps and diagrams. Haddam shows how Christopher mind works and operates. This is evident when Christopher visualized his toy train set to work out how to navigate his way in the underground. On another occasion he made the link between his own daily timetable in order to read and understand the train timetable. Because of Christopher journey to London he gained independence and confidence which helped him grow as a person and become less dependent on others.
Throughout the novel we see Christopher face many challenges in which he is pendent on others to assist him.
He relies on his support network for his basic day to day needs and guidance on how to behave. On his journey to London he dependent on strangers to help direct him. Although towards the end of the novel we see that Christopher has grown as a person and has mechanisms in place to help him cope in today’s society. Ultimately Haddam is illustrating how Christopher has changed throughout the novel and how he has become more independent person, but also showing he achieved this independence with help from others.