NOVEL - CAPTAIN NOBODY

ANALYSIS OF NOVEL
2011 – 2015
*******************************************
ELEMENTS TESTED

YEAR
PLOT/EVENT THEME CHARACTER MORAL VALUES

√
Qs : To write
2011
about the part of
the story that you
like most

√
2012
Qs: To write about
an event that
makes you angry
√
Qs : To write about an
2013 important decision
made by one of the
characters
√
Qs : “One has to
struggle to
2014 improve one’s
life”. How far this
is true in the novel
you have read.
Qs :To write about
one character
2015 whom you think is
a good role model
for teenagers.
Describe a scene
that make you
2016 either happy or
sad.
Write about a value
that is important to a
2017
character
Allocation of marks for novel

Contents : 10 marks
Language : 5 marks
-------
15 marks
====

Key word Sequence of events

• The Big Game of the Year is on. As usual, Newt gets pushed aside by everyone
in the stadium. He ends up behind the wire fence past the goal-line.
CITY • In the final moments of the match, Chris scores the winning point. However,
STADIUM right before Newt's eyes, a great crash of helmeted heads takes place. Chris is
knocked out unconscious.
(THE BIG
• Everyone in the city blames Reggie Ratner for causing the concussion that Chris
GAME, THE has suffered.
BIG TACKLE) • Newt's parents have even less time than they had for Newt as they have to take
turns to be with Chris in hospital. Newt's parents seem to take Newt's good
nature for granted.
• Newt wonders whether he should go ahead with Cecil and JJ for the Halloween.
He is worried about his brother. However, Cecil and JJ persuade him to get
ready with a unique costume made by modifying Chris' old sports attire.
• It is Halloween. Cecil is dressed as the musician Mozart. JJ is Splendida the
Good Witch. There is an initials C.N on his outfit, then blurts out his new name
'Captain Nobody'.

• At the corner of Warren and Kander streets, there is a big bass

DRUM AT drum which has been thrown away, sitting on the Dumpsters that
THE catches Cecil's attention.
DUMPSTER • Cecil is feeling hopeful that Captain will lend his hands to get it
down from the top of the Dumpster.
• Even Newt is afraid of heights, and after Cecil makes it clear that
the job is meant for the fearless Captain Nobody, he then climbs on
and carefully passes the drum to his sidekick, Cecil who is waiting
with open arms on the ground.
• here is also where he save Mr Clay, a locksmith who suffering
from Alzheimer and walks him home.

Captain Nobody foils a robbery.

≈ JJ gives Newt an emergency call on the walkie-talkie. She is
SULLIVAN upset about the spelling mistakes on the signs outside Sullivan’s
JEWELLERY Jewelry Store. She insists that Captain Nobody (Newt) talk to Mr
STORE & Mrs Sullivan about this.
≈ Captain Nobody enters the store when a robber is actually
Pointing a hidden gun at the Sullivans. This creates a distraction
which gives Mrs Sullivan the chance to press the alarm and alert
the police.
 ≈ The robber flees. The news is widely reported on television.
Everyone wants to know more about Captain Nobody, but Newt
is not hungry for publicity

.
FERROCIOUS Captain Nobody prevents an air crash
THE FERRET
 Newt and his friends are taking the mascot – Ferocious the Ferret – to
AT THE Newt’s home. On the way, they are confronted by Ricky Ratner and
his seventh-grade gang. In the struggle between the two groups, the
WESTSIDE door of the cage springs open and the ferret springs out.
HIGHWAY  Newt and his friend chase after it to get it back. The ferret runs across
the freeway and back several times with Newt chasing it. All traffic
comes to a standstill.
 By coincidence, a small airplane with passengers has engine failure
and needs a clear track for an emergency landing. The pilot sees the
cleared freeway and manages to make a safe landing. All lives are
saved. Again the news is widely reported and the public interest in the
mysterious Captain Nobody grows to an intense level.

OLD Captain Nobody ‘rescues’ Reggie Ratner

APPLETON
WATER  There is a city-wide public alarm that Reggie Ratner has climbed
TOWER the Appleton Water Tower to jump to his death. Captain Nobody
climbs to the top of the tower to tell Reggie that he knows the
truth – that it is not Reggie who has collided with Chris.
 Newt learns that Reggie’s purpose in climbing the tower is not to
commit suicide. He helps to free Reggie’s foot which is stuck in
a hole on the rooftop.
 Both make the descent in full view of the crowd below. Newt
lands first, followed by 280-pound Reggie who lands on him,
causing him to break his leg and two rib bones. Newt is place in
the hospital with Chris, his brother who is still in a coma.

AT THE
HOSPITAL

AT THE CITY
HALL
 ANSWERING TECHNIQUES
NOVEL

SAMPLE QUESTION
The following is the novel you have studied in the literature component in English Language.

Captain Nobody – By Dean Pitchford

PPitchfordPitchford
Based on the novel, who do you think is the most interesting character in the novel you have studied?
Support your answer with close reference to the text.

Introduction

POINT 1

POINT 2

POINT 3

Conclusion

HOW TO WRITE YOUR INTRO?

Introduction

NOVEL The novel I have studied is Captain Nobody.

AUTHOR It is written by Dean Pitchford
SHORT The story is about a ten years old boy Newton Newman who wants to become
SYNOPSIS famous like his brother, Chris, a football star. Chris is in coma after the big
tackle incident in the final game against Merrimac team. Everything starts
after he wears a Halloween costume made of his brother, Chris’ football
jersey. Newton become braver, more confident and determine. He calls
himself as Captain Nobody.
ANSWER The most interesting character is ……………………………
THE This is because he is ……………………, ………………………… and
QUESTION …………………..
In the following paragraph, I will discuss the topic with close reference
from the text.

SAMPLE of the INTRODUCTION

The novel I have studied is Captain Nobody. It is written by Dean Pitchford. The story is about a
ten years old boy Newton Newman who wants to become famous like his brother, Chris, a football star.
Chris is in coma after the big tackle incident in the final game against Merrimac team. Everything starts
after he wears a Halloween costume made of his brother, Chris’ football jersey. Newton become braver,
more confident and determine. He calls himself as Captain Nobody. The most interesting character that I
choose is Cecil Butterworth. This is because he is creative, determined and supportive to his friend. In the
following paragraph, I will discuss the topic with close reference from the text.

HOW TO WRITE YOUR POINT

POINT 1

POINT ………. is a ………………………

ELABORATE He always ……………………
EXAMPLE (s) For example …………………..…………………………………(Example 1)
Not only that, he also…………………………………………...…(Example 2)
OPINION (O) This shows that ………is indeed a ………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………

SAMPLE answer for POINT 1

Cecil is creative and innovative. He always has a lot of ideas. For example, Cecil comes up with
the idea of creating their own Halloween costumes, He also says that he can wrap himself in sheet of music
and ‘come as a symphony!’. He then dressed as Mozart on Halloween. Not only that, Cecil works with JJ
to create a superhero outfit from old clothes Newt. He successfully turns Newt’s oversized clothes and
immediately connects it to something like Superman. This shows that Cecil is indeed a creative person
who has a lot of witty ideas to brighten up his friends’ life.-

POINT 2

Use sequence connector : Next, furthermore, in addition, moreover, besides

POINT 2 I find………. is interesting as he is a ………….

ELABORATE He is ……………………
EXAMPLE (s) For example……………………..…………………………………(Example 1)
.…………………………………………...…(Example 2)
OPINION (O) This incident shows that ……… ……………………………
……………………………………………………………………………

SAMPLE answer for POINT 2

In addition, I find Cecil is interesting as he is a determine person. He is determined and work hard
to achieve his dream which is to be a drummer, He practices whenever he has free time. For example Cecil
is persistent in convincing Captain Nobody to help him to retrieve the discarded drum from the dumpster.
This incident shows that Cecil is determined and never gives up until his wish is fulfilled. In life we should
be determined and work hard to achieve our dreams.

POINT 3

Use sequence connector : Next, furthermore, in addition, moreover, besides

POINT 3 ………. is also ………….

ELABORATE He is ……………………
EXAMPLE (s) For instance……………………..…………………………………(Example 1)
Similarly, he also…………………………………………...… (Example 2)
OPINION (O) In my opinion, ……… ……………………………
……………………………………………………………………………

SAMPLE answer for POINT 3.

Cecil is really supportive to his friend. He is a true friend to Newton Newman and JJ through thick
and thin. For instance, although Cecil is shorter and skinnier than Newton, he stands up for Newt when
Newt is threatened by Ricky Ratner and his gang. Similarly, Cecil encourages and support Newt in the
audacious plan to climb Appleton water tower to persuade Riggie Ratner not to jump. In my opinion,
coincidently Cecil also helps Newt to overcome his fears of height. He always fight alongside his friend,
Newt, who is also known as Captain Nobody.

How to write your CONCLUSION

CONCLUSION

SAMPLE of the Conclusion

In conclusion, Cecil Butterworth is creative, determined and supportive to his friends. It is because
of his interesting character as a side kick to Captain Nobody that makes this novel exciting.
 Hard-working
Discipline
Independent

Responsible Loving

CAPTAIN NOBODY
Brave (Newton Nobody ) Obedient

------------------------ HANDS ON P R A C T I S E !!! --------------------------

 QUESTION 1

"WE MUST HAVE COURAGE TO ACHIEVE OUR GOALS IN LIFE". WITH CLOSE REFERENCE
TO THE TEXT, HOW FAR IS THIS TRUE OF THE NOVEL YOU HAVE READ?

Based on the novel Captain Nobody written by Dean Pitchford that I have studied, the story is about a kid named
Newton Newman who is going through many difficulties and challenges in order to be accepted in the society. In the
novel, Newton Newman's wants to be known by people. Throughout his journey to transform from the unknown,he
showcases his courage in a variety of situations.

Firstly. Newt climbs the dumpster to get the drum for his best friend. Cecil At first, Newt suggests Cecil
to be the one who should climb the dumpster but after Cecil makes it clear that the job is m eant for the fearless
Captain Nobody, Newt changes his mind. Even though he has fear of heights, he courageously overcomes his fear to
fulfil his best friend's dream. Although in the beginning he hesitates when he sees how high he is, he still pushes
himself nonetheless for the sake of his friend's dream. At the end of day, Newt succeeds in getting the big bass drum
for Cecil. Although Newt was still unknown during this time, but this is the event that first sparked his courage. In
my opinion, no matter what kind of challenges may come, we must face it with courage. If I were him, I will
definitely do the same just to overcome my fear in order to help people. [P: Personalise J: Justify]

Next, Newt showcases his courage by saving Ferocious the Ferret when it accidentally escapes from its
cage. Ferocious runs wildly, so Newt and his friends are chasing after it. They chase after Ferocious until they reach
the highway. Ferocious bolts into the middle of the highway and stops. Nobody is brave enough to go after it
anymore With full courage, Newt steps up to the challenge and dashes towards Ferocious to stop the traffic just to
save Ferocious, despite risking his own life Drivers are furious due to the stoppage caused by Newt. Suddenly, an
airplane lands on the highway due to an emergency. This causes Newt's brave actions to hit the headlines, although
people still did not know who he was. In my opinion, if we are really determined to do something, we will have the
courage to help us in achieving our goals. In this case, his goal is to spend a night with Ferocious, the team mascot.
Newt has to ensure that nothing bad happens to the ferret. It is clear how his courage in enduring all the challenges to
keep the ferret safe has helped him to achieve his goal. [P: Personalise J: Justify]

Lastly, Newton Newman climbs up the Appleton Water Tower to save Reggie Ratner Actually, Reggie
Ratner climbs the water tower to spray paint on the water tank but people assume that he wants to commit suicide
because he has grown increasingly depressed as people are blaming him for the Big Tackle incident. Newt is afraid
of heights but as Captain Nobody, he climbs the rickety ladder courageously. When he looks at it fluttering down,
he is terrified and wants to climb down. But thinking of Reggie Ratner alone and desperate, he climbs to the top of
the tower to help him. When he reaches the top, he manages to slither his way to reach Reggie Ratner despite the
other challenges that he has to face. In the end, Newt's dream of being somebody known is finally fulfilled when his
brave action is once again showcased in the news, this time, everyone knows his name. In my opinion, for a ten-
year-old, his decision to climb the Appleton Water Tower, the tallest structure in town to save Reggie Ratner is very
bold and extraordinary. This event explains the importance of courage and bravery in achieving our goals in life.
[O: Opinion J: Justify]
In a nutshell, it is undeniable that we need courage to achieve our goals in life. I have learned that it is
important to be courageous to reach our dreams. In addition, we can use our courage to help others who are in need,
just like what Newton Newman did. He inspires me to be a better person in life and more helpful to others.

QUESTION 2

WITH CLOSE REFERENCE TO THE TEXT, WRITE ABOUT THE VALUE OF

DETERMINATION.

Based on the novel Captain Nobody by Dean Pitchford, there are several events that show the value of determination.
This value is clearly portrayed by the main character of the novel, Newton Newman. This novel is about a boy who
gains more courage after standing behind the mask of an alter ego called Captain Nobody.

Firstly, the value of determination is shown when Newt climbs the mountain of trash to get the big bass
drum from a dumpster. It shows that Newt is determined in lending his friend a hand to make his friend's wish
comes true. He tries his best to overcome his fear of height which is called acrophobia after being convinced by Cecil
that Captain Nobody is the only one who can do the job When he is on the top of the dumpster, he becomes panic as
he sees how high he is at that time but he feels more unwind after he thinks about his beloved friend. This is actually
starts when his best friend, Cecil who is a music instrument lover, summons him through the walkie-talkie to ask him
to get a drum that is placed right on top of the huge pale of trash in a dumpster. In the end, he claws to the drum,
pulls it to the edge of the dumpster and slides it to Cecil's arm. Finally, his mission to bring the drum down is
successfully done after he shows high determination. In my personal view, every effort that is followed by
determination will ease us in achieving success. Through this event, it is undeniable that determination can help us
chasing our mission. [P: Personalise]

Besides, we can find the value of determination when Newt climbs to the top of the water tower to save
Reggie Ratner. Although he is afraid of heights, he climbs the rickety ladder fearlessly as Captain Nobody. He
knows that it is very dangerous to climb on the rickety rung but he still aims his objective to prevent Reggie Ratner
from facing a disaster after being on the top of water tower. Besides he is determined to tell Reggie that he had a
vision that Darryl Peeps knocked down his brother in the Big Game. It begins when the media shows the hot news
of Reggie Ratner that is going to kill himself from the high Appleton Water Tower after feeling depressed since the
Big Tackle incident. Newt is in dilemma as he claims that he is the only one who knows what actually happened
during the incident. Soon after, he immediately goes to the water tower to talk to Reggie Ratner. When he climbs, his
mask is caught on a nail and being ripped off his face. He looks down, he is terrified and tends to climb down but
thinking about the lonely Reggie, he is determined to continue his climb till the end. Lastly, Newt faces trouble
when the ladder he uses to climb down is unstable Then, he falls down from the water tower on the airbag mattress
safely but suddenly Reggie Ratner that is renowned for his toughness falls on him. This causes injury to Newt but he
feels relieved as Reggie Ratner is saved. From this event, we know that his determination makes the impossible
things become possible. He is willing to take risks by climbing the highest water tower in the town without
hesitation. In my opinion, we have to be determined in enduring any barriers so that we are able to achieve goals.
Based on Newt's action, it is clear that determination helps us to cope with any challenges. [O: Opinion J: Justify]

In addition, Newt is determined to save Ferocious the Ferret which is Fillmore's mascot. In this event,
JJ and Cecil give up trying to run after Ferocious the Ferret and said that Captain Nobody can catch it. Ferocious
has already bolted in the middle of the highway. Newt risks his life and dashes to the highway, waving his arms and
screaming to stop the traffic. He then race with Ferocious all over with cars zooming dangerously close. Finally
Ferocious comes and sits at Newts' ankle. This event only serves to show that Newt is a determined person. He
will not give up easily before he catches Ferocious. [J: Justify]

In conclusion, determination is a must in one's life to gain success. In order to strive goals, we have to be
determined to make our dreams come true. Based on these events, it is clear that this novel is enriched with the
value of determination.

QUESTION 3

WRITE ABOUT ONE CHARACTER IN THE NOVEL YOU HAVE STUDIED WHO FINDS A NEW
IDENTITY. WITH CLOSE REFERENCE TO THE TEXT, HOW DOES HIS/HER IDENTITY CHANGE HER
LIFE?

Based on the novel Captain Nobody by Dean Pitchford, I have learned that everybody has his own identity-
Having an identity is very essential to create a great personality. From this novel, there is a character who manages
to find a new great identity that totally changes his life. The character I am referring to is Newton Newman, who is
also known as Newt and Captain Nobody in this interesting novel.

Newt is an invisible and an introvert However, he changes into a boy with a high confidence level after he
becomes Captain Nobody. He is once considered as a boy who is overshadowed by his famous brother, Chris
Newman. His confidence can be seen when he is being summoned by his best friend, JJ. JJ asks a huge favour
from Captain Nobody, which is to correct the mistakes on the sign boards in the Sullivan's store. As a ten-year-old
boy, correcting mistakes made by adults needs a very high confidence level As Captain Nobody is very confident,
he calmly walks into the store after being convinced by JJ that the job is meant for him. Normally a ten-year-old boy
will flee and never bothers about the errors as he is lacking of confidence and afraid that they will be blamed for
interrupting an adult s affair. From my perspective, although we are young, we still have the right to tell anyone
about their own mistakes as long as we have the confidence in ourselves. So, in our daily life, we must be confident
in doing things as long as the things would not bring us harm and negative effects and never think we was
overshadowed. This event really shows that after being Captain Nobody, Newt has managed to search for his once
lost characteristic which is being brave. Therefore, it is not wrong to say that he has found a new identity. [O:
Opinion J: Justify]

Next, Newt transforms into a brave person From an acrophobic, Newton Newman manages to overcome
his fear of height As we know, phobia is a fear or trauma that is created in our mind and it takes a lot of courage for
us to overcome it Nevertheless, Newt overcomes his fear when he becomes Captain Nobody and he fulfills his
friend, Cecil's dream to get a big bass drum from the Dumpster as Cecil himself is afraid of slimmy bags. This event
starts when Cecil summons him through the walkie talkie, he straight away dashes to the meeting place and Cecil is
waiting there with a red wagon as he is determined to bring the big bass drum home. At first, Captain Nobody
hesitates to climb the dumpster. He gathers all his courage after Cecil insists that the job is meant for Captain
Nobody. When he reaches the top of the dumpster, he looks down and panics as he is afraid of heights. But, he
reminds himself that he is Captain Nobody and it calms him down. He continues to grab the drum and passes it to
Cecil's waiting hand and fulfills Cecil's greatest dream. In my opinion, overcoming a phobia is a big war between us
and ourselves. The mind plays an enormous role to make sure that we would not lose in the inner war. Therefore,
as Newt is all about to help his friend, he also wins the war between himself in overcoming his fear of heights. This
really shows how Newton Newman has gained a new identity by becoming Captain Nobody. [O: Opinion J: Justify]

In a nutshell, being a new person needs us to sacrifice a lot. We must overcome our fears in order to be brave
and throw the hesitation away in becoming confident. Having a new identity could spark other people to succeed.
If we continue to live life without improving ourselves, how are we going to be like Newt who turns himself from
zero to hero? Therefore, we must get a new identity that could change our life for the better.