In your opinion, how is family responsibility portrayed in the novel Catch Us If You Can?

 

     Introduction

The Importance of Family: 
Sacrifices for family are honoured and explored, as are the family bonds that survive adversity.

Body 
 
Family responsibility in the novel is best displayed by Rory’s constant care of his grandfather. 

• Very early in age, Rory has realised that ‘there was only Granda and me’ to make up a family. Rory does not know any other family love since his father had left them when he was very young. Granda had taken care of him all his life and now, as Granda is getting old and forgetful, and is never quite well, it is his turn to look after him. 
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• Rory makes sure that Granda takes his pills, and often leaves school on time (sacrificing his game of football) to get hot pies for their lunch.
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• When Granda is sent to Rachnadar, Rory knows that he has to get him away from that place. Though torn with desperation at times ( Granda’s carelessness with the chip pan had landed him in hospital and Rory at Castle Street), Rory plans the Great Escape and gets him away from the hospital where they put old people in.
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• From now on, Rory is responsible in keeping Granda well and away from public scrutiny. Nevertheless, help comes in the most unexpected manner and it is also Rory’s responsibility to accept the help offered and to be with his Granda at all times.
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• As a young care-giver, Rory is bent on keeping his granda free, and away from Rachnadar. He also ignores others’ pleas to not take up the responsibility of caring for his grandfather. For Rory, it was important that he do everything he could for both of them so that they could be together, “the way they were meant to be.”

Conclusion

Rory, despite his young age, is also aware that if he does not take care of his Granda, the old man could be put into a home and what then will happen to Rory? Where would he go?  (Dynamics of family relationships)

Issues of Personal Development in the novel:

♦ Growing Up/Maturation/discovery of self

♦ Morality to guide one’s actions‐ defend what is right

♦ Adult or child relationship

               ♦ Support of other people

               ♦ Acceptance of self and others

               ♦ Respect for authority

                   ♦ Accepting responsibility

edited from source : CDC