We
Are Not Afraid To Die....
If
We Can All Be Together.
By
Gordon Cook and Alan East
Q:
List the steps taken by the captain:
i.
To protect the ship when rough weather began.
ii.
To check the flooding of the water in the ship.
i).
To protect the ship when rough weather began:
The
captain took several precautionary measures before the storm hit. He decided to
double-lash everything, which means he secured all the loose items on the ship.
He also made sure that they carried the necessary equipment to face the storm.
Additionally, he went to the extent of checking and rechecking the life rafts,
emergency supplies, and other survival gear.
ii).
To check the flooding of the water in the ship:
When
the ship started flooding, the captain and his crew began pumping out water
with the help of hand pumps and an electric pump. They also managed to
temporarily repair the damage by covering the broken parts of the ship with
waterproof canvas and heavy ropes. Despite the injuries and exhaustion, they
continued their efforts to keep the ship afloat.
Q:
Describe the mental condition of the voyagers on 4 and 5 January.
On
4th and 5th January, the voyagers were in a state of extreme anxiety and
stress. They were battling for their lives, with the ship severely damaged and
their supplies running low. Despite their fear, they showed remarkable
resilience and determination. The crew members and the family were overwhelmed
with the possibility of death, yet they did not give up hope. The constant
efforts to keep the ship afloat and the need to reassure the children added to
their mental strain, but their collective resolve helped them push through.
Q:
Describe the shifts in the narration of the events as indicated in the three
sections of the texts. Give a subtitle to each section.
The
story can be divided into three sections, each with a distinct focus and tone:
Section
1: “The calm before the storm”: This part of the story describes the
initial excitement and preparation for the voyage. The narrator introduces the
crew and details the beginning of their journey. There is a sense of adventure
and anticipation.
Section
2: “The onslaught of the storm”: This section deals with the arrival of
the storm and the ensuing chaos. The tone shifts from calm and anticipation to
tension and fear as the crew battles the elements. The narration becomes more
intense, focusing on the immediate dangers they face.
Section
3: “Survival and hope”: In this final section, the narrative shifts to the
aftermath of the storm. The crew’s efforts to stay alive, their emotional
states, and the eventual sighting of land are described. The tone here is one of
relief and renewed hope.
Q:
What difference did you notice between the reaction of the adults and the
children when faced with danger?
The
adults in the story reached to the danger with a mix of fear and determination.
They were fully aware of the gravity of the situation and took practical steps
to ensure their survival. On the other hand, the children displayed a more
innocent and optimistic outlook. Despite understanding that they were in a
dangerous situation, the children remained hopeful and positive, even expressing
confidence that their father would save them. Their reactions provided a source
of comfort and motivation to the adults.
Q:
How does the story suggest that optimism helps to endure “the direst stress”?
The
story suggests that optimism is a crucial element in enduring extreme stress. The
hope and positive attitude of the children played a significant role in
motivating the adults to keep fighting for survival. Even when the situation
seemed hopeless, the belief that could survive helped them preserve. This
optimism was not just a passive feeling but translated into actions that
ultimately led to their survival.
Q:
What lessons do we learn from such hazardous experience when we are face-to-face
with death?
Hazardous
experiences, such as the one described in the story, teach us the value of
resilience, teamwork, and hope. When faced with life-threatening situations,
people discover inner strengths they may not have known they possessed. These experiences
also highlight the importance of preparedness and the human capacity to endure
and overcome even the direst circumstances. Additionally, such experiences
often bring people closer together, reinforcing the bonds of family and friendship.
Q:
Why do you think people undertake such adventurous expeditions in spite of the
risks involved?
People
undertake adventurous expeditions despite the risks for several reasons. The thrill
of adventure, the desire to test one’s limits, and the pursuit of discovery are
powerful motivators. For some, it is about the challenge and sense of
achievement that comes with overcoming obstacles. For others, it is about the
connection to nature and the desire to explore the unknown. Despite the dangers,
the rewards of such experiences-personal growth, unforgettable memories, and
the satisfaction of having faced and conquered challenges-are often worth the
risks.
.
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