LEELA'S ESL BUGGY

A RIDE INTO THE MALAYSIAN CLASSROOM

May 14, 2012

Discussion of the Novel- Catch Us If You Can

Posted by leelachakrabarty under FORM FIVE NOVELS | Tags: Catch Us If You Can |
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About the Author
Catherine MacPhail was born on 25 January 1946 inGreenock,Scotland. She has an
established reputation as a writer of gritty, urban stories that tackle emotional and
contemporary issues that eventually work towards a positive solution.

Synopsis

It is story of a devoted grandson and loving grandfather. There is adventure and thrilling
chase and escape which bring about many interesting moments for both Rory and
grandfather. We feel as we read of a grandfather who is sent to the old peoples home and
his grandson to the childrens home, a separation that is extremely difficult for both of
them. Rory and his grandfather, Granda, have looked after each other since Rorys dad
walked out on them. Granda is given to lapses in memory (putting Rorys homework
down the rubbish chute and the rubbish in Rorys school bag) and completely
irresponsible behaviour (setting fire to his coat at a Parents Evening), but he has a
generous heart. Rory acts as his carer until there is a fire in the flat and the authorities decide
to separate them. Rory comes up with an escape plan. But their path of escape is not easy as
their pictures are in the newspapers and on every television screen. Their journey is full of
unexpected moments when it looks like they will be caught by the authorities.
His Granda however is very frail and needs a lot of medication. On the way they meet a lot of
people who have recognised them from the news. These people have actually helped them in
their venture. Rory and his Granda travelled by train, boat, caravan, cars and most of the time
with their feet. In the end, sadly, Rory has to end the venture, but not by being caught, he
actually had to go to the police to find help for his Granda, whose heart had stopped. Rory
had been hoping that his father who had abandoned the family and whom he has no seen for
the last ten years would reach out and help. The story ends on a happy note when Rorys dad
gets in touch with him due to the publicity.

CHARACTERS

Major characters

Granda

Rorys grandfather. He is also known as Mister McIntosh. He is elderly and partially

senile with a tendency to forget what he is doing (never puts off his pipe properly till it
smoulders into flames). He loves his grandson dearly and cannot bear the thought of being
separated from him. Although he is hurt by his sons departure from the family and after
his daughter-in-laws death, is dedicated to taking care of Rory. He is delightfully funny.
He is often repeating phrases and is able to surprise the reader in some instances as for
example the incidence when he hit the bully unconscious inPerthrailway station and stole a
car.

Rory
He is a young boy, still in school who is dedicated to taking care of his aging grandfather.
Shows determination and courage even in desperate situations (when the grandfather is
admitted in Rachnadar). Mature, he understands why his grandfather refuses to meet his own
father. He has a rich inner life and capable of growing and changing. He has managed by
adapting to every new situation with hope and optimism.

Minor Characters

Val Jessup
She is a young and eager social worker who is responsible for Rorys well being. She is also
very responsible, she is anxious that Granda receives his full pension benefits and arranges
for Rory to stay at the childrens home inCastle Street.

Mrs Foley
She is Rorys teacher who is keenly aware of his inability to pass up his homework
because of his duty to care for his grandfather. She is very concerned when Granda is
admitted into the hospital and realises that Rory should not be in the childrens home.

Darren
Darren is Rorys best friend in school who helps him to stay in the mothers caravan
when Granda is taken away from Rachnadar.

Jeff McIntosh He is Rorys father. He comes back home to be with his father and
son when he sees them on television.

POINT OF VIEW

The novel is seen through the eyes of Rory. We as the readers get access to his young mind
how he thinks, feels and reacts and at the same time we can appreciate Rorys
growth and maturation because the first person narration has made it possible for an
inside view of Rorys mind.

Symbolism
The journey and the escape It symbolises the desired freedom and that both need to be
together.

The caravan
It gives the idea or feeling of safety, privacy and security;
both feel very safe in the caravans until it is time to run again.

Movies and movie stars

They refer to Grandas constant memory of what he likes

and remembers best . Here they are always tending to verge on an element of fantasy.

THEMES:
Bridging the generation gap

There is a young boys love for his aging grandfather. The novel explores key issues
that young boys of this age may confront as their characters are shaped by
relationships around them. There are challenges of growing up and learning about
responsibility shown in the life of Rory. 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 grows up within a short frame of
time to make decisions and to act with great responsibility.

Family and relationships

There is a journey of love and protection between a grandfather and his grandson. Love,
compression and family relationships are portrayed through their actions. 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 loves Rorys mother dearly too. Granda looked after
Rory before and now Rory wants to look after his Granda. That is family love.

Social and civic responsibilities

How society tries to intervene and help those who they think are unfairly treated or who they
think deserve a better treatment. The novel emphasizes the importance of social
responsibility. Doctor Nicol, the teacher, Mrs. Foley, Darrens 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 grandfather.
The police officials and the nurses are seen as kind and compassionate. The inmates at the
childrens home too care about what is happening to Rory and want to help him.
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.

Social bias

How society is quick to decide what the aged and ailing as well as the young should be
treated.The social welfare service sees to the very young and the very old. The decision of the
authorities is not always right and should 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.

Moral Values:

Family relationships and bonds must be appreciated and maintained. There must be
compassion and kindness.
Communication is an important feature among friends and family members. It results in the
loving and caring attitude generally.
Trust is a vital component in bridging generations. We must not be judgmental as appearances
may not be what they seem.

Discussion

The novel is a sort of love story, about the love between generations: it shows a young boy
realising that someone he loves deeply may die. It also challenges assumptions and
stereotypes: those we should trust sometimes let us down; those we might not trust sometimes
prove to be our friends.

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May 14, 2012 at 15:03

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FORM FIVE NOVELS

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