We’re Not Afraid to Die…if We Can Be Together
- Gordon Cook and Alan East
I. Answer the following:
1. 1. List the steps taken by the captain
(i) to protect the ship when rough weather began.
Answer: To protect the ship when rough weather began, the captain planned to slow
the ship down. The storm jib was dropped and the mooring rope which was heavy
was lashed in a loop over the stem. Everything was double-fastened and they went
through the life-raft drill.
(ii) to check the flooding of the water in the ship.
Answer: Herb and Larry started to pump the water out. The canvas was stretched by
the captain and the waterproof hatch covers were secured across the gaping holes.
When the electric pump short circuited and two hand pumps were blocked, he
noticed another electric pump and started it by connecting it to an earth pipe.
2. Describe the mental condition of the voyagers on 4th and 5th January.
Answer:
On 4th January, after pumping out water continuously for 36 hours, the voyagers felt
relieved. They consumed their first meal in two days. But their break was short-lived.
On 5th January, they faced a dangerous situation. The fear of death appeared huge
and they underwent great mental stress.
3. Describe the shifts in the narration of the events as indicated in the three sections
of the text. Give a subtitle to each section.
Answer:
The first section explains a peaceful journey from Plymouth in England to 3500 km
east of Cape Town in Africa. The narrator is fully confident and relaxed. Then they
faced huge waves as the weather deteriorated. To save themselves, they took
precautionary measures and struggled with the disaster. The narration becomes
grim, but exudes confidence and illustrates their fighting spirit and strong will power.
The Wave-walker rode out of the storm by 6th January morning, and by evening,
they sighted the Ile Amsterdam Island. Now the narrator is relaxed. Relief, joy and
confidence are apparent.
4. What difference did you notice between the reaction of the adults and the children
when faced with danger?
Answer:
There are lots of differences in the way the children and adults reacted when faced
with danger. The adults initially felt the stress of the situation. But they soon garnered
strength and prepared themselves to face it. When the rough weather began,
enough precautions were taken to protect the ship. Everyone was equipped with
water-proof clothes, lifelines and life jackets. Herb and Larry worked optimistically
and cheerfully for three continuous days to pump the water out from the ship. The
narrator at the wheel was replaced by Mary who steered the ship when the deck was
smashed. She served them meals after a struggle of two days against all odds. As a
captain, the narrator performed his role with determination, courage, responsibility
and resourcefulness. He undertook the repair work by providing apparatus and
giving the directions which were required to protect the ship. He helped in steering
the ship towards the island. The children suffered patiently and silently. Sue, with her
troubles, did not bother her father. Jon behaved courageously and was not scared to
die if everyone perished together.
5. How does the story suggest that optimism helps to endure “the direst stress”?
Answer:
The story suggests that optimism helps to endure “the direst stress”. The behaviour
of four adults throughout the crisis bears it out. Herb Seigler and Larry Vigil were the
two crewmen. As the deck was smashed by the huge waves, water entered the ship
from the openings and holes. From the evening of 2nd January, Herb and Larry
started to pump out water. They worked feverishly, excitedly and continuously for
about 36 hours. As a result of pumping continuously, they reached the last few
centimeters of water on 4th January. They stayed optimistic and cheerful while facing
dangerous situations. The narrator did not lose his presence of mind, hope or
courage while facing problems. He was not worried about the equipment loss and
used whatever was present there. His practical knowledge and self-confidence
helped them steer out of the storm and reach the Ile Amsterdam Island. In those
difficult hours, Mary remained at the wheel. She did not lose courage or hope either.
6. What lessons do we learn from such hazardous experiences when we are face-to-
face with death?
Answer:
Hazardous experiences bring us face-to-face with death and impart a few crucial
lessons. Our life is not always a bed of roses. We must respond to risks and danger
with fortitude and patience. The real test of character is adversity. The purity of gold
is decided by putting it on fire. So, hazardous experiences of life bring the best out of
us. Before death, cowards die many times. Negative feelings like fear lead to
inactivity and abject surrender to situations. Such soldiers or sailors lose the war
against difficulties in life. On the other hand, people with courage, self-confidence,
presence of mind and resourcefulness face the dangers bravely and successfully
come out of all disasters. Their caring and sharing attitude inspires others to face
difficult situations boldly and steer through them with fortitude.
7. Why do you think people undertake such adventurous expeditions in spite of the
risks involved?
Answer:
Human beings are adventurous by nature. The higher the risk, the more the thrill.
The thrill of exploring lands and discovering the beauty and wealth which lies hidden
in far-off lands inspires brave people to even put their lives at stake. Maybe, they
value one hour of glory more than an uneventful long life of inactivity and sloth. At
times, adventures are risky and prove deadly. The failure of a few people does not
discourage true lovers of adventure. They learn lessons from errors and
shortcomings of others and make new attempts with greater zeal. The key to an
adventurous expedition lies in adapting to the situations and overcoming the
problems. The victory of an adventurous expedition brings wealth, fame and glory.
History books are full with accounts of well-known explorers such as Vasco da
Gama, Columbus, Captain Scott and Captain Cook.