It's Kind of a Funny Story

Throughout the novel, Craig struggles to find a balance between wanting to be “normal” and not feeling exceptional or special enough. In what ways do readers see Craig’s depression on both sides of this battle? Consider these points as you reflect on the text to formulate a response.

• Where do Craig’s definitions of “normal” and “exceptional” come from? 
• Why might Craig say things like “I’m common even in suicide” instead of feeling comforted by the commonality of his experience (Chapter 16)?
• How does Craig’s relationship with this dichotomy change throughout the book? 

Teaching Suggestion: It may be beneficial to coach students in advance of oral discussion to use person-first language and avoid phrases that indicate victim-blaming or that are stigmatizing or outdated. For example, Craig has a mental health condition, depression; he should not be labeled “mentally ill.” Craig’s mental illness is not his “fault” and isn’t caused by how he sees the world in this dichotomy. In fact, depression causes Craig to see the world in this way, not the other way around.

Differentiation Suggestion: For students who would benefit from a concrete strategy for entering the mindset of a character, it may help to think of this question in reverse. Students might create a list of ways Craig is “exceptional” by his own definitions; then, using that list, students can explore why Craig may not perceive what makes him special in the same ways readers do.