In the novel "Rules" by Cynthia Lord, the main character is Catherine, a young girl with a brother named David who has autism. Catherine is often responsible for caring for David and upholding the "rules" that her parents have set in place to help manage his condition. These rules include not allowing David to have certain types of food, not allowing him to watch certain television shows, and always keeping a close eye on him.
One of the major themes in the novel is the idea of belonging and fitting in. Catherine often feels left out and isolated because of her responsibilities to her brother, and she longs to be a "normal" child who doesn't have to worry about such things. However, she also learns to embrace her unique family dynamic and finds ways to connect with others who are different from her.
Another important character in the novel is Jason, a new classmate of Catherine's who is also an outsider in his own way. Jason is an artist and is often teased by his peers for being different. Catherine and Jason form a close bond as they both struggle to find their place in the world and learn to be comfortable in their own skin.
Catherine's parents also play a significant role in the novel. Her mother is loving and supportive, but can also be overprotective of David. Her father is more distant and is often frustrated by the challenges of parenting a child with autism. Despite their differences, Catherine's parents are united in their love for their children and their determination to do what is best for them.
Overall, "Rules" is a heartwarming story about a young girl's journey to understand her place in the world and find acceptance and belonging. The characters are relatable and complex, and the themes of family, friendship, and self-acceptance are universal and timeless.
Rules by Cynthia Lord
Catherine, who loves drawing, draws a few word cards for Jason to put in his book, and this begins their friendship. In the last chapter, Catherine looks closely at David's Frog and Toad quotations and realizes it's something special they share. Applies to the entire story. These people are considered antagonists because they were not nice. Where and when a story takes place is called the setting. She began writing as a child, and she published short stories in college. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community.
What is the plot of Rules by Cynthia Lord?
David David is Catherine's 8-year-old brother. David is a person with autism, who has trouble understanding social situations and expectations. Catherine goes to OT again, and she gives Jason her new cards. We feel that we have the best of both worlds at BookQuoters; we read books cover-to-cover but offer you some of the highlights. To help him, Catherine develops rules to help guide his actions. Lesson Summary Rules by Cynthia Lord follows the main character, Catherine, as she helps her autistic brother, David, learn how to interact with people.
What are the themes of Rules by Cynthia Lord?
We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. In the end, Catherine has grown and has learned to find a balance between caring for David and establishing her own identity. Ryan was an antagonist in the story because he was mean to David. Catherine's desire for acceptance is strong and thought-provoking. Jason cannot walk he is in a wheelchair and he cannot not talk so he has to use cards to talk. Because Catherine narrates from inside a family affected by disability, inclusion is not a project but a natural way of life. Catherine and Jason dance, and Catherine realizes that her true friend is Jason, not anyone else that doesn't accept her or her friends.
Rules Summary & Study Guide
Catherine's Dad Catherine's dad works at a pharmacy, and he tries to work overtime to earn more money. Which is near impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family that revolves around his disability. Raised in a large family and brought up to be a housewife, Catherine soon showed other heroic strengths in the Revolutionary War through scouting and assistance in the Battle of Cowpens. These challenges often include his little brother, David, messing up things. Books are seen by some as a throwback to a previous world; conversely, gleaning the main ideas of a book via a quote or a quick summary is typical of the Information Age but is a habit disdained by some diehard readers. Catherine watches workers prepare the house next door for new occupants, and she hopes the new neighbor girl will be a perfect summer companion.
Rules Summary
The first conflict Catherine comes to encounter is the long lasting conflict with her brother, David. This angered his mother and caused her to treat david cruelly through physical and mental abuse Pelzer, 29-31. We get to see her point of view from different perspectives, she writes in the journal form. Encouraged by their friendship, Jason makes the move to using an electric wheelchair, which he can drive on his own. He's upset that Catherine was too embarrassed to invite him.
Character Analysis Of Catherine In Cynthia Lord's Rules
While taking him to occupational therapy, Catherine meets Jason, a boy near her own age, who uses a wheelchair and communication book. Two significant events happen early in the summer. She accepts, thinking that is will be a good excuse to not go to the dance. The trouble is Kristi has also befriended their neighbor, Ryan, a boy who habitually makes fun of David. Because Jason is handicapped, she is afraid that Kristi, her new next door neighbor, will judge her. She shows the true responsibility of an older sibling.
27+ quotes from Rules by Cynthia Lord
Catherine attends David's occupational therapy sessions twice a week, along with their mother. She states that the character of David is loosely based on her son who has autism, while the character of Catherine is a mixture of herself and her daughter, who loves to draw. However, when introduced to Jason, she becomes very rude. Middle-grade readers will recognize her longing for acceptance and be intrigued by this exploration of dealing with differences. Catherine continues friendships with both Jason and Kristi. She is very nice at first, and she volunteers at the community center.
