Setting

The story happened in modern day Britain. It started in an urban setting and
moved on to the countryside as the two characters made their getaway. They traversed
Scotland north and south in their efforts to dodge the authorities. The settings served
the story well and helped create a sense of suspense a dramatic effect at certain turns
in the story.
Urban modern living.
When the story began we have the setting of modern living which consisted of
Grandas apartment block, school, shops where Rory bought lunch and the doctors
clinic. These were the settings in Rorys and Grandas daily lives. The name of the town
was not given but we know it was close to the Clyde river and close to Glasgow. From
the description, it did not seem that Rory lived in a very big town.
State institutions: hospital, childrens home and old folks home.
When Granda got sick from a fire that broke out in their apartment, we had the
hospital setting where granda was recovering from smoke inhalation.
Then, after the authorities moved in and moved Rory to the childrens home and
Granda to the old folks home, we have the dark period in the story with its dark
settings of Castle Street and Rachnadar.
The sombre descriptions of the Castle Street home and Rachnadar reflected this sad
and dark period.
Castle Steet was described as grey, deadstone, crow-step gables (crow associated with
death); patches of cloud
and an eerie silver light.
Rachnadar was described as the very building, stuck on the edge of town, dark and
forbidding, frightened him (Granda). It frightened me too.

Dark, unsettling time.

This period in Rorys life reflected his uncertain, unsettling mood with the mad Tess
adding an element of worry and frenzy to Rorys life. Rory who not only had to contend
with his Granda being miserable and who seemed to have lost the fight in him at
Rachnadar, he also had to contend with the boys and girls living in the home. Both the
homes were the backdrop for this dark, sombre and uncertain period in Rorys life.
On the run: countryside caravan site.
When Rory ran away with Granda, several places were mentioned. There were

Perthshire, Dundee, Forfar and Perth. No mention made of the actual town in which
Rory lived with Granda and went to school.
The first place when they were on the run was the countryside and the caravan site
where Rory had taken refuge in Darrens mums caravan. This idyllic period was
momentary. In this rustic calm and peaceful setting the pair were left alone and were
safe. They were able enjoy the charms of the countryside. This setting was a suitable
backdrop for a time when Rory and Granda felt free and happy. But this happy mood
was not to last.
The back roads in the countryside.
After being saved by Tyrone and family, there was more countryside and more
travelling as the pair took refuge in Tyrones caravan. Of this Rory said: Next morning
we were on the move again, travelling north through the lush countryside of
Perthshire. This setting was one of friendship, warmth, hospitality and good food.
Rail station and train journey.
Sammy left them at the bleak and impersonal setting of the railway station at
Dundee. They travelled by rail travel before the pair got off at Perth. At Perth, granda
stole a car to carry on their journey.
Car journeys on back roads of countryside.
Travelling in the stolen car, it was the open road and back roads again for the pair
until they stopped for petrol at Rabs gas station.
A short rest at Rabs and it here when watching TV that Rory found he had a father
living in Liverpool and he made the decision to go on to Liverpool. Liverpool suggested
hope for a solution to Rorys problems! There was more road travel in Rabs car as the
pair made their way to Liverpool. This was the setting for Rorys feeling of isolation and
desperation and helplessness.
The pair were running out of hope it would seem. Yet, Liverpool promised hope. The
setting moved south into the open road and countryside as Rab drove them to the Lake
District. Before reaching the border with England they were met by Annie, Rabs
girlfriend who were to take them another stretch of the way. Annie took them to her
cousin Normas house in the Lake district.
The Lake District.
They reached Normas house but unfortunately, Norma thought it best if they were
handed to the authorities. They were told of Normas betrayal of them by Nicola,
Normas daughter.

The bus shelter in the Lake District.

After being warned by Nicola, they escaped on foot from Normas house and they
walked a long way until they came upon a bus shelter, intending to catching a bus.
After falling asleep, it was at this setting and that Rory found Granda unconscious.
Frantic, Rory went to get help and came across a house where he asked for help.The
man went in his car to get Granda. Then the police came and an ambulance too. It was
at this time that Rory met his father. All this happened in the setting of the Lake
District as was implied. We have the setting of the bus shelter in which a dramatic
point was reached in the story.
Liverpool.
The McIntosh family was re-united in Liverpool. Again, the setting of home, family,
warmth, security and being taken care of by both social services and family and a
feeling of security and family togetherness ever after.

Thus, the settings and mood veered from calm and secure to worry, uncertainty and
frenzy as befit the twists and turns in the plot. The final setting was again urban
Liverpool.

Characters
Granda

Granda was Rorys grandfather. His name was Mister McIntosh.

Granda took care of Rory after the death of his mother as his father had left them
As Granda got old, it was Rory who took care of him

loves life and people; loved to joke and thought ladies found him charming

lived in the past in the sense - he liked to talk about old film stars and old songs

was badly hurt twice in the novel but each time managed to bounce back
because of his love for living

Devoted to this grandson, granda trusted Rory and was completely dependent on him

He went along with Rorys plan to escape

Rory made sure he took his medicines.

Rory handled their finances not granda

Granda appreciated what Rory did for him

Granda did not want to be separated from Rory

No doubt Granda would live to a really ripe old age

he did not want to be admitted to the old folks home

Granda sickly was and forgetful

saw the doctor regularly.

he often did not put out his pipe properly and would put it in his pocket; often

his pipe caught fire

he forgot that he had a chip pan on the stove and his flat caught fire

Granda could surprise readers - he punched a thug, stole a car, and could run very fast
so as not to get caught

Rory

Rory, a young schoolboy, was the hero of the story

Intelligent, sure of himself, responsible, mature for his age and a survivor
Protective of his grandfather and later, his half-sisters

Did not want to be separated from his grandfather or live in a childrens home. Did not
want his grandfather to live in an old folks home as he knew granda hated that

Sacrificed a lot of his childhood in taking care of his grandfather, such as making sure
granda took his medication, kept hospital appointments, had something to eat for lunch,
etc.

Even though people around Rory were worried that he had too much on his hands taking
care of granda, Rory managed it admirably

Able to make good decisions in difficult situations and to see things through even though
what he did may not be the right thing

However, being a child, his decisions were often impulsive

Showed determination and courage even in desperate situations (such as the

times when the grandfather was seriously ill, or when both of them were

admitted to state homes

When on the run, Rory grew up very fast as he came in contact with various people who
showed various aspects of human nature

Had an open mind as he forgave his father readily, yet, he understood why his
grandfather was bitter and unforgiving towards his father. He also forgave Norma who
gave him away

Made friends easily, e.g. Darren, Tyrone and Nicola and the boys at Castle Street.

Rory represented youth and the future which was full of hope. Granda represented the
past and its glories.

Val Jessup

A young and eager social worker who was responsible for Rorys welfare and had Rorys
interest at heart

Made decisions according to the requirements of her job which hurt Rory even though
her intentions were good

It was Val who arranged for Rory to live at the childrens home in Castle Street
Was very concerned that granda was receiving his full pension benefits.

Mrs Foley

Rorys teacher who knew of his problems with granda as he often did not give in his
homework

She suspected that Rory was taking care of granda and not the other way round
She was very concerned about Rory and might have become his foster mother

Darren

Rorys best friend in school

Darren was Rorys confidante and he trusted him completely

It was Darren who helped Rory run away by letting him stay in his mothers caravan in
th country

Darren was farsighted as he could see that Mrs Foley was interested in fostering Rory

Darren was wise about people, although not so good in his studies.

Jeff McIntosh

He was Darrens father who had moved away and out of Rorys life and whom Rory had
not met

Jeff had changed a lot since he left home. He now had a family and had become a
responsible family man

Jeff McIntosh was quite willing to look after his father and son after he found out about
them.

Sammy, Ruby and Tyrone

They were the members of the family that hid Rory and granda from the police when
their whereabouts at the caravan site was discovered

They were caring and community minded, and had close-knit families and loved food
and life in general

They offered friendship, security, a sense of family and good meals for Rory and granda

Rab and his friends

Rab operated a petrol station

He helped Rory when on the run by taking him into his house and arranging for him to
travel to Liverpool to meet Rorys father

Rab seemed to have quite a few friends on whom he could rely for help when he needed
help

Norma and Nicola

They were a well-off family living in the Lake District. Nicola was Normas daughter

Nicola was completely committed to helping Rory get away

Norma had her own ideas as to what was good for Rory and reported him to the
police.Norma betrayed Rory, but things worked out in the end and Rory forgave her

Themes

Family and relationships

This is a story that celebrates family and love for ones family.The story recounts a
grandsons love for his grandfather and shows the value of family responsibility. Rorys
fathers lack of family responsibility is contrasted with Rorys strong sense of family
responsibility even at such a young age. Just as Rorys father so easily gives up his
family ties, Rory desperately and against all odds tries to maintain this family
relationship. It tells of a journey of love and reconciliation in which family ties are
strengthened and renewed between three generations.It also shows that when there is
a strong need to exercise responsibility, even Rorys father rose to the occasion by
coming forward and letting Rory and granda come to live near him in Liverpool.

Reciprocating others good deeds

Rory was aware that it was granda who had taken care of him all his life. Now that
granda was old, it was now Rorys turn to do the same and pay back for all that granda
had done for him. Rory could show gratitude even at a young age. Rory was also
patient with his aged granda and understood the special problems that old people have.
The book encourages its readers to have this sense of responsibility towards the aged
in ones family and in society.
An uncaring bureaucracy
The story show readers a case in which the authorities apply rules and regulations to
all without examining each case separately.It shows the workings of government
bureaucracy in which the same rule applies to all without consideration of the special
merits of each case. The administrative solution to the problem was to put the
grandfather in an old folks home and Rory in a childrens home. It did not consider the
strength of Rorys love for his grandfather and both their need for each other. It did not
consider that Rory was quite capable of taking care of his grandfather, young though
he was. In the end, the authorities did provide the support needed to allow Rory and
his grandfather to live together. They should have done this in the first place so that
Rory would not have to run away with his grandfather.
Community spirit
The pair were not caught as there were always people who were moved by their
plight and wanted to help and indeed did help in many ways. This shows us that in this
modern, uncaring world community spirit and caring for ones fellow human beings still
remains.
The problems and limitations of old age and childhood

The story shows us how helpless the very old and the very young in society are and
how, without family, they do need the state to provide special care for them. When one
gets old and infirm, one is helpless so family and society need to step in and help the
old and sickly who are no longer able to care for themselves.The story also shows how
no one really pays much attention to the needs of the young and the old and helpless.
It is a lesson to listen more to the young as they can be very mature and know what is
the right thing to do.

Moral Values

The values in the story include the following:

The importance of maintaining family ties

The importance of looking after the old, sickly and helpless in society

The importance of paying attention to and listening to the young more and not think
that only adults and those in authority know better

The importance of helping others when they are in trouble as shown in the story in
which various individuals, many of them strangers, stepped in to help Rory and granda

The young can be more mature (Rory) than the adult (Rorys father)

One should forget the past and forgive and forget and begin anew. This was what
happened in the case of granda and Rorys father. Rory also had no hard feelings
towards his father who abandoned him at a young age.

Catch Us If U Can theme : family love

Posted by mocqueyn on August 14, 2011

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

How is the theme love shown in the novel you have read?

I have read the novel Catch Us If You Can written by CatherineMacPhail. It is an interesting novel. One
of the main messages the author highlights is that love is important in a family and we should be willing to
forgive our family for their wrongdoings.

Firstly, love between a grandparent and a grandchild.

Granda loves Rory. To him, Rory is his son. Rory and Granda share an amazing family love for each
other, Their love is deep and pure. Granda has been taking care of Rory ever since Rorys mother passed
away and his father walked out of their life. Granda sees to the needs of Rory in schooling and goes to
see the class teacher whenever being called such as Parents Night. Rory also loves his grandfather.
Rory will do anything to care for Granda and make him happy. He readily sacrifices his love for football
and to be on the school football team so that he has time to care for Granda. Their love surpasses most
level people are capable of family love. This is because of the unique situation the boy and his
grandfather are in. Because of this love, they are willing to run away in order not to be separated. They
shun the safety of the childrens home (Castle Street) and old folks home (Rachnadar).

Elements of the
Novel
Themes
Challenges of growing up and coping
with responsibility
Love,
compassion
and family
relationships
Social
responsibilities and public
awareness.
Power and authority.
Generation gap
Social bias

Moral values
Love and care of family
Compassion and kindness
Responsibility
Religious piety
Not to be judgmental
Maintaining family relationships
Trust
Appearance may be deceiving

Synopsis
Catch Us If You Can is a heart-warming
story of love between Rory and his grandfather.
On
another level, it is a story of adventure and
escape.
Granda is dependent on his grandson, Rory,
because he is forgetful and often misplaces
things.

Characters
Main characters
Rory
McIntosh
Granda McIntosh
Darren

Minor characters
Val Jessup
Mr Foley, Dr Nicol
Darrens mum, Tony, Tess
Sammy, Tyrone and Ruby
Bernie, his wife, and daughter Zara
Rab, Annie, Norma, Nicola
Jeff
McIntosh
The mad bunch of the
Castle Street
Childrens home.
Message
In is
important to love, care
for and
protect family
members.
Respect and
concern
for others and
their rights is
important.
Community and social workers need to
be sensitive and
caring.
Faith in the Almighty is essential.
Prejudices in society must be
corrected.
Sinopsis
Tangkap kami jika kamu boleh, ialah hatiPemanasan Kisah Cinta antara Rory dan datuknya.
Pada
peringkat
yang lain,
mengisahkan
pengembaraan dan melarikan diri. Granda hanya
bergantung kepada cucunya, Rory, kerana dia

Rory is very good to his Granda and does

everything possible to make him comfortable.
One
day, Granda sets the flat on fire. Soon after,
Rory is
taken into foster care and his Granda is sent to
care
home. Rory hates being away from Granda and
think of escape plan. Their attempt to escape is
not
easy as their pictures are in the newspapers
and
aired on television. Their journey is full of
unexpected twists and turns and a number of
people help the young boy and his ailing
grandfather

seorang pelupa dan kerap kali tersalah meletak

barang. Rory sangat baik dengan Granda dan dia
membuatkan datuknya senang. Pada satu hari,
Granda membakar di flat. Tidak lama selepas itu,
Rory dimasukkan ke dalam rumah anak angkat dan
Granda dihantar ke rumah penjagaan. Rory benci
dengan tangkapan Granda dan fikir untuk melarikan
diri. Percubaan mereka untuk melarikan diri bukanlah
mudah kerana gambar-gambar mereka telah tersebar
luas di televisyen dan surat kabar. Perjalanan mereka
penuh dengan ranjau yang tidak dijangka dan
sebilangan orang telah membantu Rory dan datuknya
yang sedang sakit

Credited by Cikgu Marzuqi M.Salleh

BSc. (hons) Ed USM
SCORE A+ in SPM 2013
ENGLISH
1119/2
How is the theme love shown in the novel you have read? Support you answer with
close reference to the text.

How is the theme love shown

I have read the novel Catch Us If You Can, written by
Catherine MacPhail. It is an interesting novel. One of the main themes
of the novel is love.
First and foremost, Granda has been taking care of Rory ever
since his mother passed away and his father walked out of their life.
Granda sees the needs of Rory in schooling and goes to see the
class teacher whenever being called.
On top of that, Darren gives the key of his moms caravan to
Rory in the Great Escape. Tyrone agrees with her mother Ruby to
help Rory and Granda in their journey because he could empathise
with Rory and his Granda.
Apart from that, Rab gives shelter to Rory and Granda knowing
that they are in trouble. Norma and her daughter, Nicola allow Rory
and Granda to stay overnight at their house.
To sum up, the theme love is shown between the main
character, Rory and the people surrounding him that is his
grandfather, his best friend, Darren and the new friends like Tyrone
and his family, Rab and friends. It is true that Love does not count
and A friend in need is a friend indeed!.

Paragraph
Introduction

Evidence +
Example

Evidence +
Example

Evidence +
Example

Conclusion

In the novel that you have studied, which characters do you like most?

Which characters do you like most

Paragraph

I have read the novel Catch Us If You Can, written by

Catherine MacPhail. I like Rory the most as compared to other
characters.
First of all, he is a young boy who is very attached to his aging
grandfather, Granda. His dedication in taking care of Granda
impresses me as it shows that he is a caring and mature boy for his
age.
Besides, his courage and determination to remain united and
close to his Granda even when faced with desperate situations is
endearing. This is especially clear when Granda was admitted to the
old folks home at Rachnadar and Rory became very upset.
This shows that he is a caring person. Another trait that makes
me like Rory even more is helpless and clueless in dealing with the

Introduction

Credited by Cikgu Marzuqi M.Salleh

SCORE A+ in SPM 2013

Evidence +
Example

Evidence +
Example

Evidence +
Example

BSc. (hons) Ed USM

ENGLISH

1119/2

simplest of situations. Rorys sacrifice and commitment towards his grandfather really
makes him my favourite character of the novel.
To sum, it is clear that I like Rory best because of his positive Conclusion values,
strength and determination.
Write about a character you sympathize with/admire. Give reasons for your choice.
A character you sympathize with/admire
From the novel Catch Us If You Can, written by Catherine
MacPhail, the character I sympathize with/admire is Rory. There are
many reasons why I choose him.
The first reason I choose Rory is because he was a loving
grandson. Ever since his grandfather had not been well, Rory took
care of almost everything. He would make sure that Granda took his
medicine every day. He would also buy food for Granda during his
school lunch break. To Rory, Granda was everything and he loved his
grandfather very much because after his mother died, Granda was
the only person who brought him up.
Another reason is because Rory was a brave boy and acted

Paragraph
Introduction

Evidence +
Example

Evidence +

like a savior to his grandfather. First, when he knew that his

Example
grandfather would not last long at Rachnadar, the resting home, he
planned an escape for both of them. He ran away from the orphanage
in Castle Street and saved his grandfather from Rachnadar. This
shows that Rory is brave and cared very much of his grandfather.
In addition, Rory is also a high risk taker because he ran away
Evidence +
with an old and sick grandfather. His plan almost cost him his
Example
grandfathers life when at one point, his grandfather collapsed and
fainted while they were escaping from a house of Rabs friend,
Norma. He received the news from Nicola, Normas daughter that her
mother had gone to the police to report their where about. Therefore,
Rory and Granda ran away again. He planned to take his grandfather
to Liverpool with an intention to reunite with his long lost father.
Based on the reasons and evidence from the novel, I really
Conclusion
sympathize with/admire Rory. From the beginning until the end of the
story, he had to face so many problems. However, in the end he
managed to save both himself and his beloved Granda. He was also
united with his own father and his family.
Credited by Cikgu Marzuqi M.Salleh
BSc. (hons) Ed USM
SCORE A+ in SPM 2013
ENGLISH
1119/2
Describe what happens at the end of the novel. Explain how you find the ending of
the story. Support your answer with close reference to the text.
what happens at the end of the novel (Plot)
Based on the novel that I have studied, Catch Us if You Can
by Catherine MacPhail, at the end of this novel, Rory had a great
shock in his life when he thought that his grandfather was dead before
he at last met his biological father and together with his grandfather,
they both reconciled with Jeff McIntosh, Rorys father, his stepmother
and his two sisters. Rory then had a happy time with his new found
family.
When Granda fainted at the bus shelter while on their run,
Rory ran away to get help, leaving Granda at the shelter. He received
a help from a stranger who recognised him from the news on the
television. He and his grandfather were taken to the hospital but on
their way, a man whom Rory thought a policeman in plain clothes sat
beside him in the patrol car and he later found out that the man was
his father.
Rory spent the next few days with his new found family while at
times visiting his grandfather who was recovering at the hospital. His

Paragraph
Introduction

Evidence +
Example

Evidence +
Example

fathers wife, Karen was kind as she came and asked Rory to go and
stay with them while Granda was hospitalised. He also found out that
he got two little sisters, Ronda 5, and Ava, 3. Granda loved the
granddaughters soon as he saw them even though he was still mad at
his son.
Rorys dad was an apologetic man. He asked for forgiveness
Evidence +
from Rory and Granda every now and then. He was sorry about
Example
leaving his son away with his father because he could not accept the
insults from his father. He asked Rory to give him a chance to be a
good father and a good son to his ailing father. They were given a flat
and helps came around every day which made him wonder why not
before? But he realized that he had found what he had looking for.
In conclusion, I find that the ending of the novel is a joyful one.
Conclusion
This is because Rory had found what he had been looking for, a
family of his own and a comfortable life for his grandfather. It is very
convenient to find that Rory could forgive everyone who had caused
him pain and fear of losing hope. I am also happy to cherish the
friendships that Rory had built with the people he met along his
journey: Ruby, Sammy and Tyrone; Norma, Nicola, Annie, Rab; not
forgetting his ever good buddy, Darren.
Credited by Cikgu Marzuqi M.Salleh
BSc. (hons) Ed USM
SCORE A+ in SPM 2013
ENGLISH
1119/2
Choose an event in the novel you have studied which you find to be the most
memorable. Give reasons for your choice and with close reference to the text, discuss
the event.
An event in the novel you have studied which you find to be the
Paragraph
most memorable.
The novel I have studied is Catch Us If You Can by Catherine
MacPhail and I find the most memorable event is when Rory and his
Granda had to go away from Darrens mothers caravan after Darren
sent him a message telling him that the authority had known where
Rory and his Granda were.
It is a memorable event because from there Rory and Granda
started to have more interesting adventures. For instance, Rory had
to urge his grandfather to move faster and in doing so, he could see it
was very funny because Granda was trying hard not to show his
panic. Granda was also forgetting his shoes which Rory had to shove
the shoes to his feet while wrapping his coat and scarf around him
and also buttoning his jacket as well. Rory had also not forgotten his
grandfathers things including the food and warm clothes.

Introduction

Evidence +
Example

The event is also memorable because Rory and Granda were

Evidence +
always alert for the authority not to get them. He was careful not to let
Example
his grandfather lose the way by taking and pulling his grandfathers
hand at him. He also flung his hand phone into the bushes because it
would be useless to him since the phone had run out of battery and
there was no way for him to charge it.
It is a memorable event because from there Rory and Granda
Evidence +
met more kindhearted people who jumped in to give them a helping
Example
hand. For instance, the man and his son, Sammy and Tyrone whom
Rory and Granda met at the loch while they were fishing the other day
helped them by giving them a ride in their caravan to get away from
the camp site which was full of police and their search party. Sammys
wife Ruby gave Rory and Granda food and drinks in the journey. This
also tells us that not all strangers that we meet are bad people or
unkind. We should learn to respect people in order for people to
respect us.
In conclusion, the most memorable event from this novel is the
Conclusion
part when Rory and Granda got away from the caravan because this
has caused them to face more interesting adventures and
encountered with some kind-hearted people like Sammy, Ruby and
Tyrone.
Credited by Cikgu Marzuqi M.Salleh
BSc. (hons) Ed USM
SCORE A+ in SPM 2013
ENGLISH
1119/2
Choose a message that you obtained from the novel that you have read and say what
you have learned from it.
A message that you obtained from the novel
In Catch Us If You Can by Catherine MacPhai, one important
message the author conveys is that we must show respect and
concern for others and uphold their rights.
We are told that people like Granda need special care and
attention. Rory remembers that the good days when his Granda made
toffee apples for him, put up Christmas trees and carried him on his
shoulders at footfall matches. He remembers Grands better moments
and therefore wants to care for him now. Rory hides Grandas
smoking pipe and drills him on how to behave at Parents Night. Rory
treats his Granda with respect all the time and even when he teases
Granda, it is done in a kind and humorous manner.
The authorities think that Granda should be put away in an old
folks home but both Rory and Granda think that is not right. Granda is

Paragraph
Introduction

Evidence +
Example

Evidence +
Example

unhappy about it and does not want to be separated from Rory. I think
the elderly should have their wishes respected and be cared for at the
same time. They must have proper home help, meals and medical
care. They have done much for us before. Now it should be our turn
to do good for them. Let them live their remaining days in pride and
dignity.
Children need to be given the right care and attention too.
Evidence +
When they become carers, it is harder for them to enjoy the childhood
Example
they are entitled to, go to school and get the right education. So it is
important that they get the use of proper services from the authorities.
They emotional needs too must be addressed.
People who are different from us must be treated with respect.
Conclusion
Take the travelers for example. People look down upon them, but
they have their rights too and need to be treated with respect and
dignity. This is an important message that is most relevant in todays
world.
Credited by Cikgu Marzuqi M.Salleh
BSc. (hons) Ed USM
SCORE A+ in SPM 2013
ENGLISH
1119/2
What is the important moral value you have learned in the novel of your choice? Give
evidence from the novel to support your answer.
The important moral value you have learned in the novel
In Catch Us If You Can by Catherine MacPhail, I learnt 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. Rory cares for his grandfathers well-being and
protects him from anything he considers bad, offensive or dangerous.
Granda tries his best to help Rory 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.
Dr Nicol, Val Jessup, the police and the nurses 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. Even Darrens mum thinks
Rory has taken on too big a responsibility and worries over him. Mrs
Foley, Rorys teacher, wants to foster Rory because of this same
reason.
Darren offers his mums caravan to them because he cares for

Paragraph
Introduction

Evidence +
Example

Evidence +
Example

Evidence +

Rory and Granda. He warns them about the arrival of the police. Tony
Example
and Tom look after Rory in the childrens home because they know he
is miserable. Sammy, Ruby and Tyrone help pair on their escape
because of their kind nature. All the others, like Bernie, Rab, Annie
and Norma are concerned about the pairs well-being. They feel for
both Granda and Rory and do their best to make things better for
them.
I think the nature of the characters proves that the author thinks
Conclusion
that being compassionate helps you lead a good life.
Credited by Cikgu Marzuqi M.Salleh
BSc. (hons) Ed USM
Next, love between friends.
Here Rory loves and is loved by his friends such as Tyrone and Darren. Darren gives the key of his
moms caravan to Rory in the Great Escape. Tyrone along with his parents, Ruby and Sammy, help
Granda and Rory in their journey because he could empathise with Rory and his Granda. These people
believe that Rory and his grandfather are doing the right thing to stay together and they do not expect to
be paid for helping Rory and Granda.

Then, Tyrones family too portrays family love.

They are a loving and close-knit family. Sammy is the head of the family and a good provider. Ruby sees
to the familys everyday needs. 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.

Lastly, we also see the love shown by the public .

Their journey is a struggle to stay free. Strangers help them all the way, giving them shelter and making
safe plans for them. Rab, the petrol station owner, gives shelter to the runaways knowing that they are in
trouble. He and his girlfriend, Annie helps Granda and Rory cross the Borders to enter England and
seeks Annies cousins help. Norma and her daughter, Nicola, allow Rory and Granda to stay overnight
at their house in Lake District.

As a conclusion, the theme love is shown between the main character, Rory and the people surrounding
him that is his grandfather, his best friend and new friends like Tyrone and his family, and strangers like
Rab and friends.
It is true that love does not count and a friend in need is a friend indeed.
In my opinion, family relationships should be nurtured and not taken for granted as family happiness and
stability depend on this positive attitude.