Catch Us if U Can Theme

7/29/2019 Catch Us if U Can Theme

1/21

Catch Us If U Can theme : courage in handling ones challenges

Posted by mocqueyn on August 14, 2011

The novel highlights the theme of courage in handling ones challenges. The characters that

show courage are Rory, granda and people who help them in their escape.

Rory handle challenges with courage. No fear will ever deter him from running away from the

authorities. he has to risk the danger s of being caught as well as other obstacle that come his

way. There are many instances when he pursues his desire to be with granda relentlessly and

courageously.

Of course, there are time he fear being sent to jail he see that they have become criminal. This

is after granda hits the boy from the train with the bottle but this fear does not deter him from

continuing the Great Escape. When granda feels wake up on top of the hill after running away

nomad house, he bravely goes to look for help. He knocks on strangers door ang begs for help.

He is indeed a courageous boy.

Granda shows courage when he steal a car ad drive it away. He show a side of him. Rory have

not seen it for a long while. It is the lively and brave granda. People who meet them and help

them too show courage for they know they are on the otehr side of the law. Yet, it does not stop

them from doing it.

Catch Us If U Can theme : friendship


The novel highlights the theme of friendship which is portrayed throughout the novel.

Friendship get things going. Darren is Rorys best friend. He risks his mothers anger by lending

Rory the caravan to hide him. When his mother informs the police, he immediately sends Rory a

text to warn him.

At Castle Street, Rory makes new friends with residents. They are Tony, Tom, Jackie, and

Georgie. They help him to settle down at the home.

One of the benefits of Rorys and grandas escape, hes making new friends. These new friends

help them to be together. A strong friendship and bond is established between them.

Tyrones family members become new friends of Rory and Granda. Rory finds new friends in

people about his age. They are Tyrone and his cousin, Zara. Not only have these people help

them in their escape, new friendship is formed.

Rab and Annie also become their new friends. When Rab and Annie are about to married, they

even invite Rory and granda to the wedding.
http://mocqueyn.wordpress.com/author/mocqueyn/http://mocqueyn.wordpress.com/2011/08/14/catch-us-if-u-can-theme-courage-in-handling-ones-challenges/http://mocqueyn.wordpress.com/author/mocqueyn/http://mocqueyn.wordpress.com/2011/08/14/catch-us-if-u-can-theme-friendship/http://mocqueyn.wordpress.com/2011/08/14/catch-us-if-u-can-theme-friendship/http://mocqueyn.wordpress.com/author/mocqueyn/http://mocqueyn.wordpress.com/2011/08/14/catch-us-if-u-can-theme-courage-in-handling-ones-challenges/http://mocqueyn.wordpress.com/author/mocqueyn/


2/21

Catch Us If U Can theme : family love


The families in the novel portray the theme of family love. This is seen in the main and minor

characters in the story.

Rory and granda share an amazing family love for each other. Their love is deep and pure. It

surpasses most level people are capable of family love. This is because of the unique situation

the boy and his grandfather are in. Since his father walked out on them, Rory has been cared

for by granda. They live for each other. Granda called him his only son. To him, Rory is a son,

more than a grandson.

Their love is so boundless. That when the authorities wanted to separate them, they are willing

to do anything to be together, even if this mean running away. They know that they have to pay

for risk, danger and whatever hardship that come their way. As long as they are together, they

will do anything.

Tyrones family too portrays family love. They are a loving and close -knit family. Samy is the

head of family and a good provider. Ruby sees to the familys everyday need. Tyrone tells Rory

that he will never part from his parents. It is his fear too that one day he will be taken away from

them by the authorities. Like Rory, he will never allow this to happen.

Catch Us If U Can moral value : kindness


The world is full of kind people. Granda says this after total strangers help him and Rory without

any condition. The moral value of kindness is highlighted in the novel.

Even Rorys teacher, Mrs Foley is concerned to Rory. She feels bad looking after granda is too

much for the boy. When Rory tell her about Castle Street, she even thinks of fostering Rory out

of kindness of her heart.

Strangers like Tyrones family show kindness to Rory and granda who are in need of help. It

does not matter to them that they do not know these two people at all. All they know is that the

two people are fugitive who need help to runaway from the authorities so that they can be

together.

Ruby helps tha pair out of kindness. That is why she later refuses Rorys money. She says shewanted to help him because he needs it and not for money.

Samy and Annie offer to drive Rory and granda to train station. This is a kind gesture to people

they have just met. They suggest that Rory and granda escape by train to Glasgow. Due to their

kindness, granda says he will never call them tickles again.
http://mocqueyn.wordpress.com/author/mocqueyn/http://mocqueyn.wordpress.com/2011/08/14/catch-us-if-u-can-theme-family-love/http://mocqueyn.wordpress.com/author/mocqueyn/http://mocqueyn.wordpress.com/2011/08/14/catch-us-if-u-can-moral-value-kindness/http://mocqueyn.wordpress.com/2011/08/14/catch-us-if-u-can-moral-value-kindness/http://mocqueyn.wordpress.com/author/mocqueyn/http://mocqueyn.wordpress.com/2011/08/14/catch-us-if-u-can-theme-family-love/http://mocqueyn.wordpress.com/author/mocqueyn/


3/21

Catch Us If U Can moral value : responsibility


The novel highlights the moral value of responsibility. In doing so, it stresses that one has to

assume responsibility in what one does. Otherwise, there will be unhappy results.

This moral value is portrayed by some characters. One such character is Rory. Feeling that it is

his responsibility to look after his granda, he tries his best to carry out his duties eventhough

there are too much for a young boy. Granda also comes out his responsibilities toward Rory

after his son walked out on them. Granda treats Rory as his only son after Rorys father

abandons them.

As for the others, they help Rory and granda for they feel it is their responsibility to do so. Dr

Nicol feels it is his responsibility to recommend a social worker for granda. So he sends Val

Jessup. Val Jessup decides to sends granda to Rachnadar for she feel it is a responsibility.

Darrens mother feel it is her responsibility to inform the police about the fugitives hiding in hercaravan. Tyrones family help the fugitives for they believe it is their responsibility to help people

in need. Even when Norma informs the police about Rorys and grandas whereabout. She does

so out of a sense of responsibility towards the boy and the old man.

Catch Us If You Can : Event

SPM 2011 NOVEL QUESTION

Based on the novel you have studied, write about the part of the story that you like most.

Tips

1. State the part of the story you like most

2. Describe it ( elaboration and detail )

3. Give reasons ( provide at least 2 reasons )

Model Answer ( Band A )

In the novel Catch Us If You Can by Cathrine MacPhail, the part that I like most is the great

escape
http://mocqueyn.wordpress.com/author/mocqueyn/http://mocqueyn.wordpress.com/2011/08/14/catch-us-if-u-can-moral-value-responsibility/http://rynnyusuf.blogspot.com/2013/05/spm-2011-novel-question-based-on-novel.htmlhttp://rynnyusuf.blogspot.com/2013/05/spm-2011-novel-question-based-on-novel.htmlhttp://rynnyusuf.blogspot.com/2013/05/spm-2011-novel-question-based-on-novel.htmlhttp://mocqueyn.wordpress.com/2011/08/14/catch-us-if-u-can-moral-value-responsibility/http://mocqueyn.wordpress.com/author/mocqueyn/


4/21

Rory plans the Great Escape for three days after Darren suggests hiding in his mothers

caravan. He gives Rory the spare key to the caravan. Rory carefully carries out his plan. He packs

his and Grandas things. He visits Granda after school, as usual. He wedges open the emergency

exit. Later that night, he visits Granda and prepares Granda by dressing him up and then tells him

that he is getting out of the home. Rory takes Granda away from there while Val is having

coffee wi th the nurses. Both of them su ccessful ly sneak out through the emergency exi t andou t to a quiet train station where they are not notic ed. They arrive at the train final stop and

go uphi l l in a fine drizzle and then up a long w inding path that leads to the caravan si te.

I like this part the most because it shows that Rory is a loving boy. He loves his Granda so

much that he could not stand looking at his granda crying and feeling sad staying at Rachnadar.

Because of this, he is determined to take Granda out from Rachnadar.

This part of the story also shows us how determined Rory is in making his escape a success.

He cannot live without his Granda who has brought him up and taken care of him since he was a

baby, and because of that he takes the risk to take his Granda out from Rachnadar. I also think

that this is the start of all the adventures and challenges of Rorys and grandas lives.They

meet with a lot of people and are always on the run so that they are not caught. It makes the storyinteresting and leads to the happy ending when Rory is reunited with his father.

Catch Us If You Can - Interesting Character

Question: Based on the novel you have studied, who do you think is the most interestingcharacter? Give reasons to support your answer.

Answer:

In the novel Catch Us If You Can by Cathrine MacPhail, the character I think

interesting is Rory, the main character in this novel.

Rory is very patient especially in taking care of his Granda who suffers from memory

lapses. This can be seen when Rory asks Granda where he put his homework . He notices a

bulge in his rucksack. It is a bag of rubbish in his rucksack.

Granda has absent-mindedlythrown away his homework and kept the rubbish instead. The next day in class, Mrs Foley

asks Rory about his homework and Rory tells Mrs Foley the truth, that he has lost his

homework. Mrs Foley asks him to stay back at lunchtime to do his homework but Rory

cannot stay as he has to rush home to prepare Grandas lunch. Rory knows tha t Granda

does not do it deliberately and he does not scold or blame Granda.
http://rynnyusuf.blogspot.com/2012/10/question-based-on-novel-you-have.htmlhttp://rynnyusuf.blogspot.com/2012/10/question-based-on-novel-you-have.htmlhttp://rynnyusuf.blogspot.com/2012/10/question-based-on-novel-you-have.html


5/21

Rory is also very determined. He shows this when he plans the Great Escape for three

days after Darren suggests hiding in his mothers caravan. He gives Rory the spare key to

the caravan. Rory carefully carries out his plan. He packs his and Grandas things. He visits

Granda after school, as usual. He wedges open the emergency exit. Later that night, he

visits Granda and prepares Granda by dressing him up and then tells him that he is getting

out of the home. Rory takes Granda away from there while Val is having coffee with thenurses. Both of them successfully sneak out through the emergency exit and out to a quiet

train station where they are not noticed. They arrived at the train final stop and go uphill in

a fine drizzle and then up a long winding path that leads to the caravan site.

Another good thing about Rory is, he is a loving boy. After the fire at the flat, Rory

is sent to Castle Street and Granda to Rachnadar. Rory is not happy. Granda does not like

to stay there and he is upset and cries. Rory sees Granda sitting on his bed and crying

at Rachnadar. It breaks his heart . Granda and Rory cannot live without each other. Rory

decides to run away with Granda.

Although Rory is still a boy, he has many good qualities many boys of his age do not

possess. Because of this, I think Rory is a very interesting character.

Themes:

Challenges of growing up and learning about responsibility.

~ Rory is eleven years old and he should be playing football and enjoying being a boy

but he has the big responsibility of keeping Granda safe and

away from Rachnadar.Granda looked after him in those days and now he knows it is his

duty to look after him now.Rory accepts that responsibility with a great attitude and does

not hesitate to do his duty.But from being just a student,Rory grow up within a short frame

of time to make decisions and to act with great responsibility.

Love, compression and family relationships

~ Granda and Rory love each other and that guides all their actions.Granda loves his

son,Jeff but feels let down by what happened years ago.He love Rory's mother dearly

too.Granda looked after Rory before and now Rory wants to look after his Granda.That is

family love.Rory's friends care for him.They are fond of Granda too.Mrs.Foley,Val Jessup

and Darren's mum show concern for Rory and Granda.The people who help Rory and

Granda prove to be caring and compassionate.

Social responsibility

~ The novel emphasizes the important of social responsibility.Doctor Nicol, the

teacher,Mrs. Foley, Darren's mum and Val Jessup feel that Rory need help at home and that

he should be enjoying his boyhood and not be burdened with the responsibility of looking

after an ageing and ailing grandparent.The police officials and the nurses are seen as kind

and compassionate.even the inmates at the children's home care about what is happening


6/21

to Rory and want to help him.The public has a social responsibility.We see their involvement

as they help Rory and Granda on their great escape.Members of the public believe strongly

that the two should not be separated and voice their opinion on television.The great escape

would not be possible without the support and help of the public.Thus society has a great

role to play in molding people to be what they are.

Power and authority

~ The social welfare service sees to the very young and the very old. The decision of

the authorities are not always right and must be questioned.Ruby the traveler complain that

social workers check on Tyrone to see if he is getting his education and is not being abused

in any way . The authorities can be nasty to the gypsies and people on the fringes of

society.The police bring fear and anxiety but they are also seen as being compassionate in

their dealings with Rory.The authorities chase after Rory and Granda but the public is

mainly on their side and people help them all the way.Power and authority can be defeated

by 'people power'.

Moral values :

Loving and caring

Compassion and kindness

Responsibility

Religious piety

Not to be judgmental

CATCH US IF U CAN SAMPLE ANSWERSUsing details from the novel you have studied,

describe a close relationship between two characters

explain why you would consider them to be very close Support your answer with close

reference to the text.

GUIDELINES

Name the novel and the author that you have chosen

Choose and write the names of two characters from the story Describe their close relationship

Explain why you would consider them to be very close

SAMPLE ANSWER

In the novel Catch Us If You Can by Catherine MacPhail, Rory McIntosh and his grandfather

share an inseparable bond.


7/21

According to Rory, they are like a double act. His father abandoned his mother and him, so

when his mother died, he was taken care of by his grandparents. The death of his grandmother

had left him with his grandfather. He called him Granda and Granda had looked after him all

his life and now it was his turn to look after Granda. However both of

them were incapable of looking after themselves because Granda was too old and sick while his

grandson was too young to shoulder the responsibility of looking after himself and his forgetful

and sometimes disorientated grandfather. Whatever the difficulties, Rory and Granda refused to

be separated. Rory argued that sending Granda to a home would kill his grandfather and forcing

him to stay in a childrens home would be unbearable. That showed how close they were and

how emotionally dependent they were on each other.

Rory loved Granda so much that he was prepared to make a lot of sacrifices for the old man. He

let go the chance to be in the school football team because he needed to look after Granda. He

had to run home from school during lunch break to bring Granda lunch. On several occasions,

Granda had unwittingly lost or misplaced Rorys homework and that had earned him the

wrath of his teacher, Mrs Foley. Besides all these, he had to think of the little precautions to take

to keep Granda out of harm. Still, he did not want to part with his Granda who would have been

better off in an old folks home. Granda felt the same also. The bond between the two was a

special one. However, events took a decisive turn when Granda accidentally caused a fire in the

kitchen of their flat. Granda was taken to hospital and then to Rachnadar, a home for the elderly.

Rory ended up in Castle Street where he met the troubled Tess and fought with her.

He was miserable there. Granda fared no better at the home. Rory felt that they had been cheated

by his social worker, Val Jessup. He plotted on the run while the police launched a hunt for

them. The news of the runway pair was everywhere on television but they managed to evade the

police with the help from sympathizers along the way. They suffered a lot of discomfort while on

the run and the old mans condition worsened but they seemed happy. Being together has

become a source of strength to them. They were finally persuaded to go and see Rorys long-lost

father, Jeff McIntosh, who had been traced to Liverpool as a result of the publicity. But before

they could do this, Jeff came for them. They ended up together again, and this time in a flat near

where Jeff and his new family lived. Jeff was finally ready to assume responsibility for his father

and his son.

Rory and Granda were inseparable. It looked as if only death could separate them. Nothing

mattered as long as they were together.

4.3.2 PRACTICE 2


8/21

Using details from the novel you have studied, write on the theme of happiness. Use

evidence from the text to support your answer.

GUIDELINES

Name the novel and the author that you have chosen Choose evidence from the novel which relate to the theme of happiness State the characters

Explain what the characters do to be happy

SAMPLE ANSWER

In the novel Catch Us If You Can, Rory McIntosh has been living with his grandfather since

he was a young boy. On the surface, this arrangement such as theirs cannot be a happy one

because Granda is old and sick while he is too young to be able to look after himself, let alone

his forgetful and sometimes disorientated grandfather. Granda would have been better off at

Rachnadar, a home for the aged where his needs will be taken care of by professionals and Rory

would have been able to lead a more normal life at Castle Street Childrens Home. But they

refuse to be separated. Despite the difficulties, they are happy together. In their own obstinate

way, they are guarding their right to be together and be happy.

However, when Granda causes a fire in their flat, the social worker assigned to them takes

Granda to Rachnadar while Rory goes to the Castle Street home. Rory is upset and so is Granda.

Rory believes the home is killing his Granda. Then, Rory decides to run away from the home,

rescue his Granda from Rachnadar and they would run away from all these meddling people.

They are on the run for several weeks and the television is full of news about them. A

massive search is launched for them. Ironically, while on the run, they experience some of the

happiest moments of their lives, with the help of sympathizers like Darren, his best friend who

steals his mothers caravan key to let them hide temporarily, Sammy and Ruby who shelter them

when the police close in on them. Then, there are the sympathetic petrol station operator, Rab

and his girlfriend, Annie. Their run comes to an end when Granda becomes ill

and causes concern to Norma, Annies cousin who is helping them to get to Liverpool to find

Rorys father. She calls the police. Alls well that ends well when McIntoshs long-lost son,

Jeff, who is also Rorys father comes for them. He is ready to assume his responsibility as a sonand father.

Rory and Granda are basically searching for happiness whether as a stubborn pair fiercely

defending their rights to stay together in the flat in the face of insurmountable problems or

whether as runaways, oblivious to the frenzy they are causing through their actions. They


9/21

sincerely believe that they are looking for happiness. After all, nothing matters as long as they

are happy because life is a quest for happiness.

4.3.3 PRACTICE 3

The title suits the story perfectly

Using details from the novel you have studied, discuss whether you agree with the

statement above. Give reasons for your answer. Use evidence from the text to support your

answer.

GUIDELINES

Read and understand the statement given


Explain how the title suits the story Use evidence from the novel to support your answer

SAMPLE ANSWER

The title of the novel Catch Us If You Can by Catherine MacPhail is simple and catchy that

suits the novel perfectly because it captures the actions of a grandfather and a grandson who

cause a frenzy when the police launch a massive search for them. The grandfather has run away

from an old folks home he hates and the grandson has escaped from a horrible childrens home.

The title has the semblance of a challenge to the people tracking down the pair. It sounds cheeky,

insolent and child-like and it reflects the character of the runaway pair. The grandfather,

suffering from age-related ailments can be childish and does not realize the implications of what

he has done. In his pursuit, he has caused bodily harm to a youngster who recognizes his

grandson, Rory, from the news on television and wants to turn them in. Then, he steals a car to

get away. All these can be considered criminal but he is happily nonchalant or ignorant of all the

legal implications. His grandson and accomplice, Rory, is a child who knows no better. The

expression If You Can is not only tongue-in-cheek, but also suggests that tracking them down

can be difficult. One would think it would be easy to catch them but it is not. Although what they

are doing is unbelievably crazy, they have earned the sympathy ofmany people along the way and this has helped them to evade the police for so long. First,

Darren, Rorys best friend, plans the first lap for them when he steals his mothers caravan key

for them to hide out while they think of a better plan after they leave the homes.

Then, they meet Sammy and Ruby who offer them help as the police are closing in on them.

Next, there is Rab at the petrol station who gives them a respite and convinces them that they


10/21

should go and find Jeff McIntosh, Rorys father, in Liverpool because it is time for him to do

something in his wholeuseless life. After that, there is Annie, Rabs girlfriend, who hands

them over to her cousin, Norma. Norma finally brings the whole saga to an end when she decides

to call the police because she can see that the old man really needs medical help.

The title suits the story perfectly because it is a story about a grandfather and a grandson on the

run. It is also a reflection of what the story isthe police are not looking for regular criminals

but just two ordinary people whom the police do not want to apprehend but to protect and keep

out of harm.

4.3.4 PRACTICE 4

Using the details of the novel you have studied.

describe a decision made by any one character in the novel

do you think the decision was a wise one?

Support your answer with evidence from the novel.

GUIDELINES


Choose a character from the story

State the decision made by the character you have chosen

Give your opinion whether the decision made by the character you have chosen was

a wise one

Use evidence from the novel to support your answer

SAMPLE ANSWER

In the novel Catch Us If You Can by Catherine MacPhail, I would choose the decision made

by Rory, when he decided to get Granda out of Rachnadar and run away.

After the death of his mother, Rory lived with his grandparents. When his grandmother died, his

grandfather, whom he called Granda, looked after him. Rory and Granda were very close to each

other that they had become inseparable. When Granda became sick and his memory began to

fail, it was Rorys turn to look after Granda. One day, Granda accidentally set fire to their flat.

This brought the authorities to step in. Finding Granda and Rory incapable of taking care of each

other, they sent Granda to an old folks home, while Rory was sent to a childrens home in

Castle Street. The authorities had no choice but to do this for the safety of both Granda and Rory.

Granda might pose a danger not only to himself and Rory but to those around him.

Rory felt he was wrongly torn away from his Granda. Furthermore, Rory knew that Granda hated

being in Rachnadar, the old folks home, and Rory himself hated it in Castle Street. So he made


11/21

the decision to run away with Granda so they could be together.

I can understand Rorys position but I do not see it as a wise decision. In the first place, he was

too young to make a huge decision like this. At his age, he should have thought about school. He

should realize that he was incapable of taking care of his old and sick grandfather. Granda was

too old and frail to go on such a challenging and demanding journey. Moreover, Granda needed

his pills to sustain him. Besides, Rory did not know where he was going to. Where could they go

when they had no place and no one to care for them? Rory, too, asked himself the question

whether it was a wise decision. People may say that those who love each other must stay together

but this is based only on emotion. I think Rory made the decision because he had no one else in

his life. It was not only because he loved Granda so much, but also because he did not know how

to live without his Granda because all this while, Granda was always there for him.

To make decisions, we must be objective. We must think rationally. Seeing the unpredictability

of things and the health condition of Granda, and Rorys immaturity, I strongly feel that Rory

made an unwise decision in running away.

4.3.5 PRACTICE 5

Using details from the novel you have studied, write on the theme of forgiveness OR

reconciliation.

Support your answer with close reference to the text.

GUIDELINES


State the characters

Choose the events from the novel which highlight the theme of forgiveness or

reconciliation

Explain what the characters do to show forgiveness

Support your answer with evidence from the novel

SAMPLE ANSWER

In Catherine MacPhails Catch Us If You Can, Rory has been cared for by his grandfather

whom he calls Granda for as long as he remembers. According to Granda, his own father was aspoilt brat of a boy; just mentioning him would make Granda angry. He grew up to be someone

who did not appreciate what he got and left Rorys mother who later died of heartbreak. And that

was when the senior McIntosh decided to cut all ties with his son. He is adamant that the only

son he had is Rory and he can very well take care of the boy.

The irony of the situation is, Rory has been looking after his Granda who is not well and needs


12/21

medications for all sorts of ailments. As a result, Rory has to look after him, take him to the

doctor, prepare his lunch and make sure he takes his medicinesall too big a responsibility for a

young boy like him. Despite the difficulties, both Rory and Granda refuse to be separated, as any

solution would entail sending the old man to a nursing home and the boy, a childrens home.

However, after Granda accidentally sets fire in their flat, he is sent to Rachnadar, an old folks

home and Rory to the childrens home in Castle Street. They cannot bear being separated. Rory

takes Granda out from the home and both go on a run. Soon, the police is looking for them.

News about them appears on the media. Rory and Granda manage to

evade the police because they get help from people who sympathize with them along their

journey.

Investigations reveal that Rorys father, Jeff Mcintosh is in Liverpool and they are advised to go

and see him. While on their way to Liverpool, Granda becomes too sick. The police is informed

by one of the people who helps them, Norma, who feels that the old man needs immediate help.

Jeff, with the help of the authorities, arrives to take his father and his son with him. Both father

and son are reconciled and Rory finds his long-lost father. Jeff is ready to take on his

responsibilities as a son to his father, Granda, and as a father to his son, Rory.

The story ends with a reconciliation between the ageing and ailing father and the son he has

vowed to disown, Jeff. As for Rory, it is a happy reunion with the father he has never known.

4.3.6 PRACTICE 6

From the novel you have studied, what is the most important lesson you have learnt?


GUIDELINES


Think of a lesson you have learnt after reading the novel

State the characters and the hardships they go through that have an impact on you

Explain how the story affects you


SAMPLE ANSWERFrom the novel Catch Us If You Can by Catherine MacPhail, an important lesson I learnt is to

be persistent and determined when facing challenges. Often, persistence leads to better results

than losing hope easily. Two characters in the novel, Rory and Granda, handled challenges with

determination. Rory knew that he must be strong and determined in order to withstand the

rigours of the escape. There was never a time he felt like giving up and turning in to the police. It


13/21

was the strong sense of perseverance that helped him bear all the hardships. It was the same with

Granda. When things got difficult, he was even more persevering even though it was hard for a

man his age to be on the run. He knew he needed to be strong so that he could be together with

Rory.

The escape got very arduous and tough at times. The police were always after Rory and Granda.

There was a wide TV coverage on them. But Rory and Granda were determined to pull through.

They knew they would be together and not be separated as long as they continued to run. From

the way they went through their escape, I learn that challenges should be dealt with

determination. One must not easily give up hope and accept defeat. As long as one has the

chance, one must keep on going till success is met.

4.3.7 PRACTICE 7

The characters in novels often face problems. Some solve their problems but some do not.Using information from the novel you have studied, show how

one character solves his/ her problems

one who does not solve his/ her problems


GUIDELINES


Choose a character, state his/her problems

Explain how the character solves his/ her problems

Choose another character and state his/ her problems

Explain why the character fails to solve his/her problems

Suggest what the character should do to solve his/ her problems


SAMPLE ANSWER

It is true that characters in novels often face problems. Some manage to solve their problems but

some do not.In Catherine MacPhails CatchUs If You Can, a character who manages to solve his problem

is Rory. His apartment is burnt down due to Grandas carelessness. He is then forced to part with

his Granda. He is sent to stay at the childrens home in Castle Street, and Granda is sent to the

old folks home in Rachnadar. Being very close to Granda, Rory can see that Granda is

miserable at the home. Rory can sense that Granda has lost interest in everything and it breaks


14/21

Rorys heart to see Granda like that.

So, Rory comes up with a plan to run away with Granda. He knows, by doing so, he can always

be together with Granda. As long as they are on the run, they will be together. It can only be for a

few days or a couple of weeks, but to Rory and Granda, their time together is precious.

On the other hand, Tess, a girl whom Rory meets at the childrens home, fails to solve her

problems. She has a sad life. Her mother is in prison and all her relatives reject her. Being

homeless and unwanted, she is sent to Castle Street. Instead of making the best of her life there,

she worsens it by becoming a bitter, angry and violent person.

Her violent outbursts become so bad that she loses control of herself and her actions. She injures

others, making them keep away from her. She fails to make friends and so, remains lonely and

friendless. She cannot overcome her loneliness and sense of rejection. If she had chosen to be

more positive, she would probably have made some friends who can help her instead of feeling

rejected and unloved.

4.3.8 PRACTICE 8

From the novel you have studied, write about an important moral value you have learnt.


GUIDELINES


State an important moral value you have learnt after reading the novel

State the characters and the events where the moral value you have learnt is

emphasized


SAMPLE ANSWER

From the novel Catch Us If You Can by Catherine MacPhail, an important moral value I have

learnt is that family relationships should be nurtured and not taken for granted. Granda looked

after Rory after Rorys father walked out on them. Since Granda was old and forgetful, Rory

took it upon himself to look after Granda. Nobody forced or told him to do it but Rory felt it was

the right thing to do. He was willing to forego things that teenage boys should be doing. He didall the household chores, made sure Granda took his medication and had his meals. He even kept

Grandas pipe to make sure there wasnt any untoward incidents. Granda and Rory did not take

their relationship for granted. Granda, on several occasions, had expressed appreciation to Rory

for always being there for him while Rory felt proud to have Granda as his grandfather. Rory


15/21

was protective and defensive of Granda.

They nurtured their relationship right up to the end even when they had a family, Jeff and Karen.

Sammy, Ruby and Tyrone also showed a strong family relationship. Sammy and Ruby were free

and easy but respectful with each other. Ruby would tease Sammy and vice versa. But, when itcame to making decisions, Ruby left it to Sammy, showing him respect as the head of the family.

Tyrone was respectful and obedient to his parents, Sammy and Ruby.

All in all, I have learnt from the novel that family relationship should be nurtured and not taken

for granted as family happiness and stability depend on this positive attitude.

4.3.9 PRACTICE 9

From the novel you have studied, write about the plot of the story and state what you think

of the plot.


GUIDELINES


State the main characters and the important events in the story Give a brief summary of the

story

Give your opinion of the plot of the story

SAMPLE ANSWER

Catherine MacPhails novel Catch Us If You Can revolves around a teenager, Rory, and his

grandfather whom he calls Granda. Rory and Granda are on an escape adventure from their

hometown to Liverpool because they do not want to be separated from each other. They have

cared for and looked after each other for a long time and with Granda getting on

in years and becoming forgetful, Rory takes over the responsibility of looking after Granda on

his own initiatives.

One day, when their flat caught fire due to Grandas carelessness, both Rory and Granda are

placed in a childrens home and an old folks home respectively. Granda is badly affected as he

becomes withdrawn and lost. Rory knows that Granda is slowly dying in Rachnadar, so he

decides to run away with Granda. Rory and Granda make the great escape but with nodestination in mind. They only want to be free and to be together. They spend a few happy

carefree days at the caravan site. When the police catch up with them, Rory and Granda are

helped by Sammy who gives them shelter.

Their journey is a struggle to stay free. Strangers help them all the way, giving them shelter and

making safe plans for them. Rory has doubts about whether he is doing the right thing. All


16/21

doubts are dispelled as Granda looks happy even when he is exhausted.

Eventually, Rory decides they would travel south to Liverpool and look for his father, Jeff

McIntosh. Granda objects and rages about this when he realizes what Rorys plans are. The

climax of the story is when Granda almost loses his life in the cold bus shelter. After that, they

end up in Liverpool. It is a happy ending as they meet up with Jeff and become a family again.

The plot runs in chronological order. The reader can follow Rory and Grandas interesting and

sometimes heartbreaking journey from their hometown to their final destination. Rory as the

narrator projects a solid account of their thoughts, feelings and gives good descriptions of the

setting. The approach makes it easy for the reader to understand and appreciate the story. I think

the plot is simple and relevant to our society where young people tend to forget their obligations

to the old.

4.3.10 PRACTICE 10

Who is the most interesting character in the novel that you have studied? Give reasons to

support your answer.

GUIDELINES

Name the novel and the author that you have chosen. Name the character that you

consider interesting.

Explain the role of the character in the novel.

Give evidence from the novel to support your comments. State your opinion again.

SAMPLE ANSWER

In the novel Catch Us if You Can by Catherine MacPhail, I think Granda is the most

interesting character in the book.

Reading through the novel, I found out that he was a caring and kind grandfather to Rory. The

fact that Rory was to return the favours implies that Granda must have been a good man and

good grandfather. His love for Rory is absolute. Also, Granda finds it hard to bear that Rory has

to be in a home and wants to get out of hospital to take Rory home. This shows how much he

cares for Rory.

Granda is also a charmer. It is because he easily compliments others especially women not onlyfor the looks but also for their talents as he praises Ruby for her cooking. All the times he

remains the perfect gentleman, like opening the door for the young mother at the clinic.

Other than that, he is quite a fascinating character. He knows a lot about films and film stars. His

love for movie stars makes him even name his son and grandson after some film heroes of his

time. Also, he loves singing and has no inhibitions about singing some old songs, however badly,


17/21

in front of others.

With all the above, I believe that Granda must be an interesting and remarkable man.

4.3.11 PRACTICE 11

Based on the novel that you have read, write about an incident that changes the life of acharacter in the story. Give evidence from the novel that you have studied.

GUIDELINES

Name of the novel and the author you have chosen. State the incident you have chosen.

Give reasons why you think this incident changes the life of the character.

State your opinion again on the importance of the incident to the life of the character.

SAMPLE ANSWER

In the novel Catch Us if You Can by Catherine MacPhail, an incident that changes the life of

the character is the great escape that Rory and Granda undertake. Rory decided to run away from

the town he lived in after taking his Granda out of the local old folks home. The escape took

them to many places and they met many different people who

helped them on their journey. Rory learnt valuable life lessons from meeting all the different

people. From the travelers, he learnt about compassion and kindness. From Rab, Annie and

Norma, he learnt about people who offered help sincerely and treated them kindly. Also, Rorys

life would never be the same again. It was because, his father turned up to help him and Granda.

Finally he had a father, a stepmother and two adorable stepsisters. He had a family and that was a

life-changing moment from him.

Rory was worried about his Granda earlier but then he didnt have to. It was because things

started to fall into places for him. Certain services provided for the elderly made life better for

him and Granda. The escape exposed some of the problems that the elderly and their caretakers

faced in the course of their daily life.

With all the above, I believe that all those changes would not have taken place if not for the great

escape.

4.3.12 PRACTICE 12

Using the details of the novel you have studied,

Write about the moral value that has impressed you the most. Give evidence from the

text to support your answer.


18/21

GUIDELINES

Name the novel and the author that you have chosen. Name the moral value that you have

learnt.

Give examples from the novel to support your answer. State your opinion again

SAMPLE ANSWER

In the novel Catch Us if You Can by Catherine MacPhail, I learn about compassion for fellow

human beings. Many characters exhibit compassion for each other and act in a kind manner

because of their compassionate nature.

Rory and Granda care for each other and there is compassion in their actions. For example, Rory

cares for his grandfathers well-being. For instance, he makes sure his Granda takes his

medicine. Moreover, he always rushes home from school to ensure Granda takes his lunch.

Moreover, Rory protects his Granda from anything he considers bad,offensive or dangerous. Rory even keeps Grandas pipe to make sure there isnt any untoward

incidents. Granda tries his best to help Rory and unfortunately makes mistakes, but there is still

compassion. He strongly says that no grandson of his is going to a home for as long as he is

around.

In addition, Dr Nicol insists that Granda and Rory get a home help. This is because he believes

that Granda and Rory are not capable of taking care of each other. Val Jessup, the social worker,

also shows compassion. She shows enthusiasm to help Rory and Granda. When they are on the

run, Val Jessup pleads on television for Rory and Granda to come home. The police and the

nurse also act compassionately towards Granda and Rory. They are affected by the dilemma of

an ageing man who is so dependent on a young boy and therefore do what they think is the best.

Besides, Darren, Rorys close friend offers his mums caravan to them because he cares for

Rory and Granda. He warns them about the arrival of the police.

With all the above, I believe that we must be compassionate to people. This quality keeps us

humane and make the world appear kinder and the troubles bearable.

4.3.13 PRACTICE 13

In the novel you have studied

Pick any one decision in the novel made by someone or some party that you disagree

Explain why you disagree.

Support your answer with evidence from the novel.


19/21

GUIDELINES

Name the novel and the author that you have chosen. State the decision.

Give reasons why you disagree with the decision. State your opinion again.

SAMPLE ANSWER

In the novel Catch Us if You Can by Catherine MacPhail, there is one decision in the novel

that I disagree with. It is the one taken by the government to separate both Rory and his

grandfather.

Rory and Granda are very close and each depends on the other for love and comfort. They are

family, a double act and one cannot survive without the other. When Granda accidently starts a

fire in the flat, the State makes a decision to put him in a home because he may endanger himself

and others. I was so mad with the State.

I can understand that the State has the interest of Rory and Granda at heart when it makes thisdecision. But, what makes me disagree is that it regards them as only a case on which it needs

to act, not as people with feelings. It is because each citizen has a right to run his or her life the

way he or she wants to without outside interference. Unfortunately, it did not happen that way.

In addition, no discussion has been held with Rory and Granda how best to solve the problem.

When the two run away, however, the police go after them as if they are criminals. As a person

interviewed on a television rightly said, the police are wasting their time hunting down an old

man and a young boy instead of chasing criminals and fighting the gun culture. The way the

State tackled the situation pissed me off.

As a conclusion, people should be treated with greater respect and compassion and not like

cases to be solved.

4.3.14 PRACTICE 14

Faith in the God is essential.

Using the evidence from the novel, explain how this is shown in the novel you have studied.


GUIDELINES

Name the novel and the author that you have chosen. State the character who conveys this message.

Give examples from the story to support your answer.

SAMPLE ANSWER


20/21

In the novel Catch Us if You Can by Catherine MacPhail, Faith in God is Essential is one of

the messages in the story.

Rorys prayers are in the form of warm and friendly conversations with God, which he addresses

as The Big Man. Rory is a character who has faith in God. Rory promises to be good and do

good things if The Big Man would makeGranda wake up when he sees his grandfathers face

pale, his mouth open and he is hardly breathing. In addition, Rory believes that The Big Man

wanted him to escape as things go smoothly. Rory promises to collect money for the Salvation

Army if The BigMan keeps Granda safe. Rory tells The Big Man that they both are having

great time and Granda is no trouble at all.

The other evidence that resembles Rory as a person who has faith in God is when he and his

grandfather did not crash since Granda cannot drive well. Due to that, he believes that The Big

Man is looking after him.

As a conclusion, prayers play a vital role in keeping Rorys spirit up and prove that faith is

essential in life.

4.3.15 PRACTICE 15

Love, compassion and family relationship are important in ones life.

Using the evidence from the text, explain how this is true. Support your answer with close

reference from the text.

GUIDELINES

Name the novel and the author that you have chosen. Discuss the different aspects of love.

Give your views with examples from the text.

SAMPLE ANSWER

Catherine MacPhail put the elements of love, compassion and family relationship in her novel,

Catch Us if You Can. From the beginning to the end of the story, those three elements hold the

story together.

The love between generations shows that love is continuous and never ending. For example,

Rorys love for his Granda is unconditional and vice versa. He is ready to sacrifice anything so

that he remains united with his grandfather. The grandfather, in turn, has devoted his life to bring

up the child from birth and his whole life revolves around him.

Love in a family and the power of love among family members are also portrayed in this story.

For example, Sammy, his wife, Ruby and son Tyrone portray a warm and loving family. Besides

that, Bernie, his wife and daughter are equally warm-hearted and helpful. Rab and Annie are

loving and caring too.


21/21

Love and respect among Rorys friends also keep him from troubles. They look upon Granda

with great affection. Darren, the one who is the weakest in the class, shows much compassion for

Rory and helps him as much as he can. Mrs. Foley also shows sincere, love and care for Rory.

She shows her concern towards Rory when Granda is admitted into the hospital. She realizes that

Rory should not be in the childrens home.

As a conclusion, the concept of the elements of love, compassion and family relationship bring

beauty to the story.

Documents

Catch Us if U Can Theme