Haddon's inclusion of the quote from The Hound of the Baskervilles serves multiple purposes in the context of Christopher's character and narrative style. Primarily, it highlights Christopher's analytical mindset and his propensity for solving puzzles, akin to Sherlock Holmes. This reference illustrates how Christopher perceives his world through a lens of logic and deduction, seeking to make sense of the complexities and seemingly chaotic elements of his life.
Furthermore, it reflects Christopher's intentions as an author, revealing his desire to connect disparate experiences and observations into a coherent narrative. Just as Holmes endeavors to unify disconnected episodes into a larger understanding, Christopher strives to articulate his own experiences and emotions in a structured manner, depicting his journey of self-discovery and coping with challenges.
This allusion also underlines themes of perception and interpretation, emphasizing how Christopher approaches his story with a combination of curiosity and methodical reasoning. His admiration for Holmes underscores his identity as a keen observer and thinker, reinforcing his determination to navigate through the mysteries of his own life with a similar tenacity. Overall, the quote accentuates Christopher's aspirations to find clarity and meaning in his experiences, much like the famed detective in his adventures.
1 answer