The Curious Incident… and drama analysis

The origin of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is rather curious in itself. Edexcel IGCSE students study Simon Stephen’s theatrical adaptation of Mark Haddon’s novel, which was originally published in 2003. The story is about Christopher Boone, an autistic teenager who gets embroiled in the mysterious death of his neighbour’s dog. However, it’s important to remember that IGCSE students will be analysing the play, rather than the novel. Although sticking close to the plot of the novel, the play offers unique stylistic and formal features that will expand an IGCSE student’s knowledge of theatrical conventions, and challenge them to go beyond the words on the page when analysing the text.

First and foremost, we always tell our IGCSE students to remember that plays are designed to be performed, not read. This maxim should shape a student’s analysis in the exam, and remind them to pay close attention to not just language features, but aspects of form and structure that are unique to modern drama as well.

IGCSE English: the modern drama exam

All Edexcel students must study a piece of modern drama, and the specific text depends on what each school has assigned. In the exam, which is known as ‘Modern drama and Literary heritage’ (combining both the modern drama section and the pre-1900 prose or drama text into one exam paper), students are asked to write an essay on either a key theme or the development of a character.

In this essay, the student should include analysis based on the language, form and structure of the play, and remain tightly focused on the question throughout. Marks are granted based on understanding of the text, as well as ability to closely analyse authorial choices made throughout, so it is important that an IGCSE student takes into account where the marks actually are coming from when responding to the question.

An IGCSE sample response

As for Curious Incident… specifically, IGCSE students should aim to integrate both structural and linguistic features into their response in order to access the higher bands. Stephens makes use of ‘metatheatre’ throughout the play, so structure and stylistic elements are central to success when analysing the play.

Let’s take a question from the May 2020 paper:

Christopher: ‘I was brave and wrote a book and that means I can do anything.’

Discuss the theme of overcoming difficulties in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.

A good IGCSE level paragraph may look like the following:

Stephens uses both language and the formal features of metatheatre to convey how Christopher manages to reach London. As Curious Incident… progresses through its complex plot, the playwright uses more and more elements of metatheatre to place the audience in Christopher’s headspace. For example, in order to depict Christopher’s intensifying anxiety and growing fit, Stephens has disembodied voices chant out what they see. On page 58, a succession of voices state phrases such as “A Perfect Blend”, and “Please stand on the right”. The four separate voices stating these lines conveys the overwhelming sensory input that Christopher is experiencing, thus successfully placing the audience in Christopher’s perspective. Despite this, Christopher successfully communicates his plight to the Station Policeman. The contrast between this interaction and the interaction with the police officer at the start of the play conveys how Christopher has matured and developed more successful coping mechanisms when in stressful and difficult situations. Thus, Stephens portrays how Christopher gradually overcomes his difficulties in Curious Incident.

Although not a perfect paragraph—there is too little elaboration on the given examples and the student may be better served by separating these points into separate paragraphs—this should give an idea of the level of analysis expected at IGCSE level.

Supporting IGCSE English

Regardless of whether an IGCSE student is studying The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, An Inspector Calls, or another example of modern drama, the fundamental skills of IGCSE English remain the same.

Students must develop a good understanding of PEEL paragraph structure over the course of their IGCSE studies, as well as an appreciation for how literary and structural elements shape meaning in works of literature. It is a challenge for all, but that does not mean that it is impossible.

At BartyED, we believe that any young learner can be coached to achieve their goals at IGCSE. Our team of expert, full-time tutors work with IGCSE students across all subject areas to support their studies and help them achieve their goals.

If you would like more information about how BartyED can offer you or your child unparalleled support through the IGCSEs and beyond, click the Contact Us tab at the top of the page and get in touch.