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CATCH US IF YOU CAN- GUIDELINE TO ANSWER + SAMPLE ANSWERS
1) Characters – Close relationship
Using 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.
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
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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 children‟s 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‟ Rory‟s 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 man‟s condition worsened but they seemed
happy. Being together has become a source of strength to them. They were
finally persuaded to go and see Rory‟s long-lost father, Jeff McIntosh, who
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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.
2) Theme - Happiness
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 Children‟s Home. But they refuse to be separated. Despite the
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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 mother‟s 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, Annie‟s cousin who is helping them to get to
Liverpool to find Rory‟s father. She calls the police. All‟s well that ends well
when McIntosh‟s long-lost son, Jeff, who is also Rory‟s father comes for
them. He is ready to assume his responsibility as a son and 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 sincerely believe that
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they are looking for happiness. After all, nothing matters as long as they are
happy because life is a quest for happiness.
3) Title of the story
“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
• Name the novel and the author that you have chosen
• 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 children‟s
home.
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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 of
many people along the way and this has helped them to evade the police for
so long. First, Darren, Rory‟s best friend, plans the first lap for them when he
steals his mother‟s 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 should go and find Jeff McIntosh,
Rory‟s father, in Liverpool because it is time for him to do something „in his
whole useless life‟. After that, there is Annie, Rab‟s 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.
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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 is – the
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) Character – Decision made
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
• Name the novel and the author that you have chosen
• 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 wasa 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.
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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
Rory‟s 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 children‟s 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 the decision to run away with Granda
so they could be together.
I can understand Rory‟s 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
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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 Rory‟s
immaturity, I strongly feel that Rory made an unwise decision in running
away.
5) Theme – Forgiveness/Reconciliation
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
• Name the novel and the author that you have chosen
• 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 MacPhail‟s „Catch Us If You Can‟, Rory has been cared for by
his grandfather whom he calls Granda for as long as he remembers.
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According to Granda, his own father was a spoilt 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 Rory‟s 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 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 medicines – all 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
children‟s home.
However, after Granda accidentally sets fire in their flat, he is sent to
Rachnadar, an old folks‟ home and Rory to the children‟s 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 Rory‟s 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.
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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.
6) Important Lesson/Lesson learnt/Moral Values
From the novel you have studied, what is the most important lesson you
have learnt? Support your answer with close reference to the text.
GUIDELINES
• Name the novel and the author that you have chosen
• 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
• Use evidence from the novel to support your answer
SAMPLE ANSWER
From 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
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withstand the rigours of the escape. There was never a time he felt like
giving up and turning in to the police. It 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.
7) Characters – Problems in characters
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
Support your answer with close reference to the text.
GUIDELINES
• Name the novel and the author that you have chosen
• Choose a character, state his/her problems
• Explain how the character solves his/ her problems
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• 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
• Use evidence from the novel to support your answer
SAMPLE ANSWER
It is true that characters in novels often face problems. Some manage to
solve their problems but some do not.
In Catherine MacPhail‟s „Catch Us If You Can‟, a character who manages to
solve his problem is Rory. His apartment is burnt down due to Granda‟s
carelessness. He is then forced to part with his Granda. He is sent to stay at
the children‟s 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 Rory‟s 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 children‟s 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.
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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.
8) Moral Values/Lesson learnt
From the novel you have studied, write about an important moral value you
have learnt. Support your answer with close reference to the text.
GUIDELINES
• Name the novel and the author that you have chosen
• 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
• Use evidence from the novel to support your answer
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 Rory‟s father walked
out on them. Since Granda was old and forgetful, Rory took it upon himself to
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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 did all the household chores, made sure Granda took his
medication and had his meals. He even kept Granda‟s pipe to make sure
there wasn‟t 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 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 it came 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.
9) Plot – Personal Response
From the novel you have studied, write about the plot of the story and state
what you think of the plot.
Support your answer with close reference to the text.
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GUIDELINES
• Name the novel and the author that you have chosen
• 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 MacPhail‟s 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 Granda‟s carelessness, both Rory
and Granda are placed in a children‟s 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 no
destination 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.
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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 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 Rory‟s 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 Granda‟s
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.
10) Characters – Interesting Character
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.
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• 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 only for 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, in front of
others.
With all the above, I believe that Granda must be an interesting and
remarkable man.
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11) Incident – Changes The life Of A Character
Based on the novel that you have read, write about an incident that changes
the life of a character 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, Rory‟s life would never be the
same again. It was because, his father turned up to help him and Granda.
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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 didn‟t 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.
12) Moral Values/Lesson learnt – Impressed Most
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.
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.
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Rory and Granda care for each other and there is compassion in their
actions. For example, Rory cares for his grandfather‟s 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 Granda‟s pipe to make sure there
isn‟t 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, Rory‟s close friend offers his mum‟s 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.
13) Personal Response – Decision made by character
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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.
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 this decision. 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.
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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.
14) Theme – Faith in God
“Faith in the God is essential”.
Using the evidence from the novel, explain how this is shown in the novel
you have studied. Support your answer with close reference to the text.
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
In the novel „Catch Us if You Can‟ by Catherine MacPhail, “Faith in God is
Essential” is one of the messages in the story.
Rory‟s 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
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make Granda wake up when he sees his grandfather‟s 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 Big Man‟ 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 Rory‟s spirit up and
prove that faith is essential in life.
15) Theme - Love, Compassion and Family Relationship
“Love, compassion and family relationship are important in one‟s 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.
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The love between generations shows that love is continuous and never
ending. For example, Rory‟s 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.
Love and respect among Rory‟s 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 children‟s home.
As a conclusion, the concept of the elements of love, compassion and family
relationship bring beauty to the story.
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