My Best Pal

Close friendships are hard to come by these days. In an ever-changing world with
people striving to achieve their interpretation of preordained success, it is hard to
know who your true friends are. Fortunately, I found my best pal early at the tender
age of seven. We were both enrolled at the same school and were at wits ends as
we searched tirelessly for our designated classes.
Samantha and I got acquainted as both of us were in the same class and sat next to
each other. Samantha was a happy-go-lucky girl who always managed to breathe
fresh air into the sometimes arid classroom. She always knew what to say and would
voice them at the best possible moments. Both pupils and teachers alike enjoyed her
company and liveliness. There was hardly ever a dull moment when she was around
with her funny quips and expressions.
Samantha was born with a silver spoon. Her father was a businessman and her
mother owned and ran a boutique. Both her parents were very caring towards her as
she, just like I, was the only child of the family. Samantha came to school each day
with a perpetual smile. She was a very nice person to be around with. She and I
used to go everywhere together and both of us were rarely seen apart. We used to
talk about so many things as we walked, thoroughly enjoying our time together.
One day, I went to school and forgot to ask my parents for lunch money. At first, I
was not hungry and thought I could bear going without a meal but soon, my stomach
began to growl. Without asking, Samantha generously paid for my meal and drinks
during recess. The incident revealed to me how lucky I was to have such a caring
and compassionate friend.
As time went on, people started teasing us as we were spending more and more
time together. We seemed to know what each other thought and we cared for each
other deeply. Was I in love with her? I did not know then and we both knew we were
too young for all that emotional roller coaster.
Currently, Samantha and I are studying at different schools. It was hard to be apart at
first, but technology in the form of instant messaging and e-mails have helped to
bridge the gap in our friendship. I sincerely wish our friendship will never end as it
would be equivalent to waking up from a beautiful dream.

A Terrifying Experience
"If mum finds out that I'm going to the beach, I'll be in big trouble." I muttered to
myself softly.
I crept slowly down the stairs and tried to walk casually into the kitchen. As I was
walking towards the back door, mum asked without looking up from her "dishwashing", "Where are you going?" I answered back without hesitation, "I'm going to
the garden to play." After I got out of the kitchen, I breathed a sign of relief. My plan
had worked out fine so far. I scaled the fence and jumped onto the muddy field next
to my house and started running towards the bus-stop at top speed.

After half-an-hour, I was at the beach scanning the crowd for my friends, Jimmy and
Bobby. After a while, I spotted them near a coconut tree. I ran towards them and got
into my swimming trunk. For about an hour, we played volleyball happily.
Suddenly, Bobby hit the ball too hard and the ball fell into the sea. Just as Bobby
was going to pick up the ball, the tide came in and carried the ball further and further
away from the shore. I wanted to show off my swimming skills so I decided to get the
ball for them.
I dived into the water and started swimming at a steady pace. After swimming for
about ten minutes, I became tired but when I saw that the ball was only a few feet
away from me, I put in an extra burst of speed. However, just as I was going to grab
the ball, a very strong current swept the ball further away from me. At that moment, a
string of weed tangled up with my feet and I could not swim properly.
I struggled to keep afloat but it was no use. "If I had listened to mum and dad, this
would never have happened," I thought silently.
Finally, after struggling for a minute or two, I had no more energy and got pulled
underwater. I tugged at the weed which finally broke. I swam back to the surface,
gasping for breath. I saw two young men in canoes, racing each other. I was
exhausted but I shouted to the men for help. The two men, instead of helping me,
ignored me and raced on. By the time, a lifeguard who was holding a life buoy
reached me, I had already fainted.
When I woke up, I was in an empty room lying on a bed. It was not until a doctor
came into the room that I realised that I was in a hospital. After a few minutes, my
parents with half angry and half worried faces walked in. My parents scolded me for
sneaking out of the house but were also glad that I was not seriously injured.
I will never forget that terrifying experience. Neither will I ever want to show off
again.

IMPORTANT EVENTS IN THE

RAILWAY CHILDREN
1. WHEN MOTHER FALLS ILL ( CHAPTER 3 )
Mother falls ill. Peter fetches Dr Forrest. The doctor gives the children a list of food that
their mother needs. Mother says they have no money to buy the things on the list. The
children write a message on a white sheet for the old gentleman on the 9.15 train. It tells
him to look out for something at the station. Phyllis gives the old gentleman a letter. The
letter explains what happened to the childrens mother and asks the old gentleman for
help to get the things on the doctors list. That evening, Perks delivers a large box to the
childrens house. Inside the box are all the things in the list plus some extra things and a
letter from the old gentleman.
2. SAVING THE TRAIN ( CHAPTER 5 )
One day, the children took a walk along the top of the hill beside the railway line.
Suddenly, they heard a noise and saw half the hillside crashed down onto the railway
line below. The children realised that the 11.29 a.m train was in danger. They used the
girls red petticoat to make six flags to warn the train. The train came down the track too
fast. Bobbie was afraid that it would not see them. She ran onto the line waving two
flags. The train stopped just twenty metres away from Bobbie.
3. A BIRTHDAY FOR PERKS ( CHAPTER 6 )
The children asked to have the cakes on Thursday. They wanted to make a birthday tea
for Perks. Peter wanted to ask everybody in the village to help them give Perks a nice
birthday. Not everyone was kind. Old Mrs Ransome said no one remembered her
birthday so she did not want to help but many gave them all kinds of things to Perks. The
next day, Bobbie and Phyllis gave Mrs. Ransome roses and a handkerchief for her
birthday. On Thursday, the children went around to collect presents the people had
promised. At three oclock, the children took the presents and the pram to Perks house.
When Perks came home and saw the pram and the presents, he was angry. He thought
people would laugh at him for being poor and needing their things. Bobbie explained that
the people wanted to give him the presents because they liked him. Perks calmed down.
He was glad that his neighbours thought so kindly of him. The children stayed for tea.
There are a few more important events, identify them.
NOTE: You must remember the important events in the novel. This is because you need
to support your answer with examples and the examples are the events. For example,
the question on the character you like best. If you choose Bobbie as the character you
like best because she is brave, to support your reason you need to give evidence ( or
event in the novel ). The evidence in the novel can be "when she and her siblings saved
the train".

Discussion of the Novel- Catch Us If You Can

Posted by leelachakrabarty under FORM FIVE NOVELS | Tags: Catch Us If You Can |
Leave a Comment
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.

p 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
betreated.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.

Discussion of the Novel- Catch Us If You Can

Posted by leelachakrabarty under FORM FIVE NOVELS | Tags: Catch Us If You Can |
Leave a Comment
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.

p 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
betreated.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.