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CHAPTER 3 : I SEARCH FOR SOMEBODY I AM NOT
1. During social studies class, Newt is still searching for an idea for his Halloween costume.
2. He imagines himself as Zeus, the god of lightning according to the Greek myth, but soon
realises that he does not fit in the descriptions shown by his subject teacher.
3. Not giving up, he raises his hand asking Mrs. Young what the American pioneers wore when
they built the country.
4. Although Newt is ridiculed by his classmate, the answer given by his teacher is more than
enough for him to rule out the possibility of having such costume for Halloween.
5. The school ends early so the students and locals can watch the Big Game Pep Parade on the
street.
6. Newton is ecstatic to attend his brothers last game of the season.
7. On the other hand, Cecil and JJ are more incline to their Halloween costumes.
8. That has put Newt back in dilemma as he is having hard time thinking about his own
Halloween costume.
9. Newt falls asleep while figuring out the design of his costume only to wake up after he has a
terrible dream.
10. It is time for the Big Game as his parents are getting ready for it and with heavy heart, Newt
has to put aside his coming Halloween celebration and shift his focus on the final game.
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9. During lunch break, Cecil and JJ insist of becoming Captain Nobodys sidekicks and tell Newt
to continue becoming Captain Nobody because people start to notice them ever since.
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6. Dad feels relieved after Newt manages to assure him that he is still being himself and his alter
ago is just some sort of confidence booster.
7. Dad even takes a photo of Captain Nobody and sends it to Mom.
8. Suddenly, the walkie-talkie squeals in the middle of their conversation.
9. Cecil makes contact just to ask a silly favour from Captain Nobody and Newt, who is in
disbelief, starts to make a weird sound through the walkie-talkie as if the device is running out
of battery.
10. As Newt is about to sleep, Dad tells him that Mom is having a good laugh about Captain
Nobody and she starts showing the image to everybody in the hospital.
11. Dad explains about the current situation and hospital procedures that they need to follow and
he assures Newt will be the first one to visit if the situation improves.
CHAPTER 14 : CERTAIN THREATS ARE MADE
1. The next morning, nobody is making fun at Newt disguising as Captain Nobody and even Mrs.
Young addresses him accordingly.
2. Later on, after Cecil explains to JJ how to operate her walkie-talkie, the three of them decide
to test their new mode of alternative communication.
3. As Newt is about to respond on the walkie-talkie, a football hit at the back of his head.
4. It comes from the students in the seventh grade and one particular kid named Ricky Ratner
approaches Newt in a non-friendly manner.
5. Ricky, who happens to be Reggies cousin, wants Newt to make everyone know that Reggie is
not the culprit of the Big Tackle that leads to Chriss critical condition.
6. Things are about to get uglier during the heated conversation between Ricky and Newt when
suddenly all of the fourth graders stand up for Newt, Cecil and JJ.
7. Before the crowd disperses, the confrontation ends with a threat from Ricky for Newt.
8. Cecil makes a point that the vibes coming from Captain Nobody make everyone in the fourth
grade becomes more courageous.
9. After what had happened, Newt has to carefully sneak out from the school.
10. He is shocked the moment JJ calls for Captain Nobodys help through the walkie-talkie.
11. Captain Nobody dashes to the Sullivans Jewelry Store after their conversation ends with JJ
screaming at the other end of the line.
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3. Although the water tower supportive structures, including the ladder, are not as strong as it
used to be, Captain Nobody manages to slither his way to reach Reggie Ratner despites the
other challenges that he had to face.
4. On top of the tower, they both talk to each other about the Big Game and the series of event
that has been happening after the incident.
5. Captain Nobody learns that Reggie climbs the tower to vandalise the water tank.
6. The truth is actually Reggies left foot is stuck and he needs Captain Nobody to untie his
shoelace of which Captain Nobody manages to help Reggie and it is broadcasted through the
news channels in the country.
7. Then, when they reach at a critical point, Reggie becomes unconvinced since Captain Nobody
needs to climb the ladder down first.
8. As Captain Nobody is counting every step down, he is surprised to see Reggie is also getting
his hands on the ladder.
9. Trying to find his balance with his feet dangling on the air, Captain Nobody loses his grip
and falls down.
CHAPTER 21 : I FINISH FALLING
1. Captain Nobody feels time is passing by rapidly and everything seems to fall into pieces at
the same time.
2. Fortunately, a huge, inflated rubber mattress catches him from hitting the hard ground.
3. Captain Nobody is about to celebrate his safe touch on the ground when he suddenly sees
a massive figure falling to his landing spot.
4. Captain Nobody swoons himself as the result of the impact by the huge Reggie Ratner.
CHAPTER 22 : I FINALLY GET TO THE HOSPITAL
1. Newt does not realise that he is in the hospital until Mom explains that he suffers from a
broken ankle and ribs.
2. From his bed, he sees Cecil on the television responding to the media on behalf of Captain
Nobody.
3. Mom and Dad begins to tell what had really happened after Captain Nobody passes out and
they cannot stop worrying about him since the live broadcast appears on the television.
4. Suddenly, Reggie shows up and visits Newt with a lot of reporters waiting eagerly behind the
sliding door of the recovery room.
5. Watching at his parents feeling a bit bitter towards Reggie, Newt begins to reveal that it
was actually Darryl Peeps who knocks Chris out during the Big Tackle.
6. From the recovery room, Newt is transferred into the same room where his brother has been
lying motionlessly.
7. Although finally he has the chance to meet his brother in the hospital, he feels useless as he
cannot help his brother to wake up. He wishes to tell his brother about Captain Nobody.
8. While he is thinking to himself and rewinding the memory that he has in the morning of the
Big Game, Newt lets out a scream, HIT THE SHOWERS! without realising it.
9. The nurses rush in and as he is about to explain to them, Chris throws a pillow at his head,
just like what he will do at home.
10. Chris is finally awake!
JJ gives Newt an emergency call on the walkie-talkie. She is upset about the spelling
mistakes on the signs outside Sullivans Jewelry Store. She insists that Captain Nobody
(Newt) talk to Mr & 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.
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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.
Captain Nobody prevents an air crash
Newt and his friends are taking the mascot Ferocious the Ferret to Newts home. On the
way, they are confronted by Ricky Ratner and his seventh-grade gang. In the struggle
between the two groups, the door of the cage springs open and the ferret springs out.
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.
Captain Nobody rescues Reggie Ratner
There is a city-wide public alarm that Reggie Ratner has climbed 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 Reggies purpose in climbing the tower is not to commit suicide. He helps
to free Reggies 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.
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THEMES
1. Family Love
Newt loves his family members although sometimes he does not get the attention he deserves.
He makes breakfast for them every day.
Newt, together with Mom and Dad, would attend and give support in every game that Chris is
Playing
Mom and Dad are willing waiting for Chris to wake up from his coma
Chris loves his brother as they would share jokes when they meet each other
Newt always wakes his brother up when he oversleeps.
Chris and his teammates shows high level of determination to win the Big Game although
their opponents are leading at crucial part of the game
Newt is determined to stop the traffic on the highways despite the dangerous situation he
is facing so that he could get Ferocious the Ferret back into its cage
Cecil is determined to get the big bass drum that is thrown away even he has to seek the
help of Captain Nobody
JJ shows her determination to correct other people's mistakes by stepping into Sullivan's
store and talks to the owners
Newt would remind Mom about important events and help his mother to find her
misplaced belongings
Captain Nobody helps Mr. Clay to find his way back home after getting lost at the
Dumpster
Captain Nobody talks to the Sullivan couple after JJ asks for his favour and it turns out he
saves the sore owners' lives from an armed robbery
Although the creation of Captain Nobody was unintentional, Newt gained much confidence
and courage when he was in the costume
Mrs.Young, the class teacher, showed great concern for Newt and brought up the matter to
the principal, who was later joined by the school counsellor and nurse
Newt reasoned out with his concerned Dad, who came home and talked to him, after the
school had informed Dad about Captain Nobody
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When Newt was finally recognized and got the attention he deserved from the local
community including his family, he reverted to becoming Newton Newman once again
5. Optimism
6. Self-discovery
As a boy who is small and scrawny in size, Newton is often ignored by his parents and
schoolmates.
When Newton uses Captain Nobody costume for the first time, he feels that he is somebody new,
somebody he himself has not met yet.
Newton feels strong and confident when wearing the Captain Nobody costume.
He is able to overcome his fear of heights when he helps Cecil to bring down a discarded drum
from a huge dumpster. He helps Mr Clay finds his way home, foils a robbery at a jewellery store, save a
ferret and averts a plane tragedy.
Slowly, Newton begins to uncover his hidden capabilities and transforms into a hero who stands
up for all quiet kids and children that people tend to forget about.
Eventually Newton manages to climb up the tallest structure in Appleton and save Reggie
Partner, without assuming the identity of Captain Nobody.
7. Responsibility
As a 10 year old boy, Newton takes the responsibility of making breakfast for his family
Newton would open Chriss bedroom door and shout, Hot the showers! whenever Chris
oversleeps.
When Reggie Ratner is on the roof of the Appleton water tower, and people think that he is
commiting suicide.
He decides to climb up the water tower to convince Reggie to change his mind.
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MORAL VALUES
In this novel, this value is portrayed by Newton, though he is only ten years old.
He is sensitive towards his parents feelings.
We also see this value in Chris. Even though he is busyand tired practicing for his football
games, he always seem to have time to help Newton with his homework or play a quick game with
him.
Mr Newman speaks carefully to Newton about his costume and acknowledges Capatin Nobody.
Mrs Young, Newtons teacher, discusses his situation with the Principal, Mr Toomey. She does
not get angry with Newton.
This value is also portrayed by Newton, who tries to cheer his mother up after seeing his
mothers eyes in tears.
Newton is also sompassionate towards Mr Clay. He realises that man is lost and confused and
makes sure he gets home safely.
We must be helpful to others regardless whether they are our family, friends or strangers.
This value is portrayed by Newton. When he wears the Captain Nobody costume, he feels
strong and confident.
However, when he climbs up the water tower to save Reggie, instead of losing confidence and
descending the ladder, Newton continues his climb and manages to help Reggie get down from
the tower. This shows his courage and capabilities to others.
This value is portrayed by Newton, who feels happy about his brothers success.
Chris, on the other hand, acknowledges that Newton is the real hero of Appleton.
Mr and Mrs Sullivan acknowledges their saviour who saved their lives during the robbery.
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Newton does not feel sorry for himself and does not resent or blame people, even when he is
neglected at home. He accepts the fact that his classmates and teachers ignore him in school and
that not many know that he is Chris Newmans brother.
When his brother is knocked down into a coma during the Big Game, he fills his mind with
positive thoughts that Chris will be alright.
When his mother forgets to dry the laundry, Newton wears his Captain Nobody costume to
school, though he knows his friends or teachers might laugh at him.
Although Newton, Cecil and JJ are ignored in school, they respond positively to this situation.
Chris and his teammates shows optimism in winning the Big Game although at times the
opponent is leading
6. We must be brave.
Newt has acrophobia. At first, he hesitated to climb the Dumpster to get the bass drum. But
when disguised as Captain Nobody, he felt more confident.
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Novel Captain Nobody : Theme + Evidence, Opinion
Novel Captain Nobody : Theme + Evidence, Opinion
THEME : FRIENDSHIP
This is shown when Newton Newman helps Cecil to get a big bass drum from the top of a
dumpster. Cecil calls Captain Nobody to help him get the drum because he cannot get it down by
himself. At first, Newt hesitates to climb the dumpster as he is an acrophobic. However, knowing
how much his friend loves the bass drum, he decides to help his best friend and continues
climbing the dumpster.
Newt, JJ and Cecil are always supportive of each other. JJ and Cecil help Newt out with his
costume for Halloween when they see he is not ready with his costume. Their help has led to the
creation of Captain Nobody. Newt, JJ and Cecil are always supportive of each other. They also
stand behind Newt when the whole school laugh at him for dressing up as Captain Nobody.
OPINION
The three friends have shown a good example of friendship of friendship. They do not hesitate to
help each other when in need.
Newton Newman helps Cecil to get a big bass drum from the top of a dumpster. Cecil calls
Captain Nobody to help him get the drum because he cannot get it down by himself. At first, Newt
panics to climb the dumpster when he sees how high it is. However, he fights his fear of heights
and continues to the top to not disappoint his friend.
Newt overcomes his fear of heights when he rescues Reggie Ratner from a suicide attempt.
Newt knows that he has to tell Reggie that it is not his fault. It is Chris own teammate, Darryl
Peeps who knocks Chris unconscious. Since the Big Game, everybody has blamed Reggie for
knocking Chris into a coma. Newt gathers his courage to climb although the ladder is rusty and the
tower structure is weak. While climbing, his mask gets caught in a nail and rips off. At first he feels
vulnerable especially when he looks down. But he gathers his courage and continue with his
climb. He then finds out that Reggie climbs the tower to vandalise the water tank. They both end
up falling from the tower into a mattress as they descend the rotten ladder. Newt suffers a broken
ankle and two broken ribs when Reggie lands on top of him.
OPINION
By overcoming his fear Newt becomes a hero. This admirable quality in him undoubtedly teaches
all teenagers to overcome our fear. Newt is a good role model to all teenagers.
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THEME : FAMILY LOVE
Every morning he prepares breakfast for his family. He understands that his parents and his
famous brother are always busy and occupied. When he notices how busy and distracted Mom is,
he volunteers to cook breakfast every morning. Whenever Mom needs his help with her misplaced
items, Newt will always be there because he cares about mother. Mother is absent-minded. She
depends on Newt to remind her about important events and help her to find her misplaced
belongings. Dad is always busy answering the phone so Newt always pours him more coffee and
gets him a pencil.
Newt supports his brother and is proud of his achievement. He plays the part as a spokesperson
in informing his fan of Chriss situation. He is very worried when Chris is hospitalized and insists to
be at the hospital with Chris. He also is the one who would wake Chris up when he oversleeps.
Mom and Dad also show their love to Chris. They stand by his side throughout his ordeal every
single day. They never give up in hoping the best for Chris. Mom even cries when she holds
Chriss clothes. She misses having Chris around.
OPINION
We must love our family members. His love for his brother keeps him hopeful that Chris will come
out from his coma. They are the most important people in our life. Without them our life will be
meaningless. The love shared by Newt and his family emphasizes the importance of love in a
family. Love runs deep nad it leads to good things in life.
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Novel Captain Nobody : Model Question + Answer (1)
1. The following is the novel studied in the literature component in English language.
Determination is the key to success. How is this shown in the novel that you have read? Support
your answer with close reference to the text.
The novel that I have studied is Captain Nobody by Dean Pitchford. The statement Determination is
the key to success is clearly shown in the novel by a few characters. It is undeniable that
determination will help us to succeed.
Firstly, the character Newt shows high determination in order for him to succeed in helping Cecil to
get a big bass drum from the top of a dumpster. Cecil needs Captain Nobodys help to get a big bass
drum on top of a dumpster because he cannot get it down by himself. Cecil insists that Captain
Nobody is the one who should climb the dumpster. Newt hesitates when he saw how high it is. It is
such a big task for Newt since he is acrophobic- he has fear of heights. However, he is determined to
help his best friend to fulfil Cecils dream of owning the bass drum. Slowly, Newt continues climbing
the dumpster. This has clearly shown that his great determination has overcome his greatest fear of
heights.
Secondly, the character which has shown great determination in order to succeed is Chris Newman.
Prior to the Big Game, Chris has been training hard with his teammates. The Big Game has become the
greatest rivalry between Fillmore High School and Merrimac High School for two consecutive years. In
the first year, Chris was only the substitute player. He came in the quarter of the Finals and showed
great determination to get himself a touchdown and led his team to the victory. His determination has
placed him as a regular first team player for next years season. During the second final, which
everyone is referring to the Big Game, Chris shows high determination and also inspires his
teammates. During the last moment of the game, the Merrimac High manages to score a touchdown,
leading the Fillmore High by a slight margin. Chris, without giving up, is determined to score a
touchdown and has succeeded in doing so within the final 7 seconds of the Big Game. As a result, the
Ferrets of Fillmore manage to secure another victory for that year. This has clearly shown how
determination is the key to success.
Newt portrays the courage, determination and perseverance too as Captain Nobody. For example, he
is supposed to look after the Ferocious, the Fillmore teams mascot. It escapes when Reggie Ratner
and his friends cause disturbance until the cage opens. It runs on to the busiest highway with four
lanes of vehicles racing after it. Newt is brave and determined to catch it because he is responsible to
return it safely the next day. Without thinking of his safety, Newt, runs to the middle of the highway,
screaming and waving his hands to stop the vehicles. He could have been run over many times. Yet he
goes after Ferocious with cars zooming dangerously close. Slowly, the traffic comes to a halt and at the
moment, a passenger plane with engine problem makes an emergency landing on the freeway that is
cleared of traffic. In saving shown that his determination has superseded his safety. He sacrificed his
life for others.
In short, I really think that determination will lead us to success. Newt and Chris have shown
determination that can be considered as heroic acts. Newt, by conquering his fear when helping Cecil
and risking his life when saving Ferocious. Chris, by giving his all to make sure Fillmore wins the Big
Game. They are indeed role models for teenagers like me. We should practice the value in our life so
that we can achieve what we have always wanted.
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