SPM Novel "Catch Us If You Can" Theme of Courage

Based on the novel you have read, write about the novel’s theme of handling one’s challenges with courage. Give evidence from the text.

            Based on the novel “Catch Us If You Can” by Catherine MacPhail, the novel highlights the theme of handling one’s challenges with courage. Rory and Granda show courage in dealing with the problems they face in their daily life.

                Granda has been looking after Rory and now that Granda is getting on in years and unwell. Rory takes over the responsibility of looking after Granda. This is a challenge for Rory as he is just a schoolboy. He has to have a schedule which is suitable for him to carry out his duties at home and be in school on time. He even has to forfeit playing football in school.

                Another challenge Rory faces is to make sure nobody suspects that he and Granda are able to survive without outside help. He has to make sure that  there will not be any untoward incident at home. On the Parent’s Night, Granda is forgetful and has left his pipe in his coat pocket which caused his coat to be on fire. This is something Rory has to make sure such a thing does not happen again.

Rory and Granda handle challenges when they are running away from the authorities. They have to risk the dangers of being caught or recognized by the people. They are helped by strangers along the way and they have to be careful about their motives.

Granda shows courage when he steals a car and drives it away. He shows a side of him Rory has not seen for a long while. It is the lively and brave Granda. Of course, there are times Rory fears of being sent to jail when he thinks that they have become criminals. This is after Granda hits the boy from the train with a bottle. But this fear does not deter him from continuing the Great Escape.

Even when Granda is very exhausted, he does not give up. He faces his adventures with strength and courage. When Granda fails to wake up on top of the hill, Rory bravely goes to look for help. He knocks on a stranger’s door and begs for help. The two of them face all the challenges with courage.

                Based on the evidences above, the theme of handling one’s challenges with courage is clearly portrayed throughout the story as Rory and Granda go through hardships during their escape journey.