Catch Us If You Can - Important Events

In the novel Catch Us If You Can (you can read the synopsis HERE), there are a number of important events that students need to master in order to use as evidence when answering SPM question. I conclude, from the whole story, these are among the most important events.

1. Flat on fire!

Rory goes to buy lunch for Granda and himself after school. When Rory arrives home, he finds out their flat is on fire. Granda tries to cook lunch for them but he forgets about the pan that he left unattended. This has led to the fire. Rory then tries to find Granda who is taken to the hospital. Their neighbour scolds Granda and this made Rory mad. Rory throws himself at her to defend Granda.

This event is important as it marks the beginning of the separation between Granda and Rory. In this event, we can clearly see Rory's unconditional love towards Granda. He cries and worries about Granda. Rory also gets angry when someone scolds his grandfather because he understands his Granda's condition.

2. The Separation

After their flat was burnt, Rory has no where else to go. Without any cousins or siblings, Rory only has his Granda. Yet, Granda is sick and being treated in the hospital. The fire at the flat has led to Rory being sent to Castle Street and Granda to Rachnadar.

This separation made both of them unhappy. Granda becomes increasingly sick and senile while Rory does not like the life at Castle Street. This event is important as it leads to the next essential event which is The Great Escape. Due to the their separation, Rory plans a major breakout for Granda from Rachnadar.

3. The Great Escape

This is the biggest event in the story where Rory and Granda runs away from authority together. It starts when Rory breaks Granda out of Rachnadar. Then, Darren helps Rory to hide in his mother's caravan for some time before the police come. After that, Rory and Granda runs up north and meet various characters who help them along the way.

This event is interesting because it helps Rory and Granda understand each other as they go through the difficulties together. This is where they meet many strangers who are kind enough to help them. As the story unfolds, they find themselves heading towards Liverpool, where Rory's father currently resides. 

4. Granda's breakdown

When Rory and Granda know the police are coming, they go out to run away at night. It is cold and dark, Granda is not feeling well too. Then they stop to rest. This is where Rory finds Granda unconscious. Afraid he might lose Granda, Rory runs around looking for help. Help arrives to rescue Granda but surprisingly, so does Rory's father who is looking for them all this while.

This is the final event that leads Rory and Granda to meet with Rory's father. After they meet, Rory and Granda find a new family. Rory can then participate in his school activities and play football because he does not need to look after Granda alone anymore. Granda too has resolved his issues with his son. Thanks to Granda's breakdown, they are able to find a new happy life together as a family.

*For SPM students, it is vital to know these important events as they will help you provide evidence to answer the question in examination. Moreover, they also enhance our understanding of the story because we can see the relation between each event that leads to the next.