Chapter 2: “We’re Not Afraid to Die… if We Can All Be Together”

By: Gordon Cook and Alan East

Understanding the Text.

1. List the steps taken by the captain

i. To protect the ship when rough weather began: the captain took the following steps (a) To
slow the boat down, the captain dropped the storm jib and lashed a heavy mooring rope in a
loop across the stern. (b) He then doubled lashed everything, and went through the life raft
drill.
ii. To check the flooding of the water in the ship: he put waterproof hatch covers across the
gaping holes which diverted the water to the side. When the two hand pumps blocked and
electric pumps short circuited, he found another electric pump, connected it to an out pipe
and started it.

2. Describe the mental condition of the voyagers on 4th and 5th January.
Ans: On 4th January, the mental condition of the voyagers was vacillating 1 between hope and despair.
They had their first meal in almost two days. Their respite was short lived. They faced dangerous
situation on January 5. Fear of death loomed large. They were under great mental stress.

3. Describe the shifts in the narration of the events as indicated in the three sections of the text.
Ans: The first section describes a peaceful journey from Plymouth (England) to 3500 km east of Cape
Town (Africa). The narrator is relaxed and full of confidence. As the weather deteriorated, they faced
gigantic waves. They took precautions to save themselves and struggle with the disaster. The narration
becomes grim. But it exudes the fighting spirit, confidence and strong will power. By the morning of
January 6, Wavewalker rode out the storm and by evening they sighted the Amsterdam Island.
The narrator is now relaxed. Joy, relief and complete confidence are apparent. The subtitle to each
section is:
Section 1- Cheerful Journey
Section 2 – Facing the Wave
Section 3- Searching the Island

Talking about the text (Page. 18)

Discuss the following questions with your partner.

1. What difference did you notice between the reaction of the adults and the children when faced with danger?
Ans: During the crisis the adult on board followed routine drills of ship rescue without getting emotionally
embroiled. Their buoyant attitude helped then think out-of-the-box solutions to the unexpected crisis facing them.
The children were shell-shocked but courageously belittled their fears inconsideration of their parents.
2. How does the story suggest that optimism helps to endure ‘the direst stress’?
Ans: The captain displayed optimism garnered from time-tested solutions. He followed a cool thought process,
quick thinking skills, exemplary and persistent diligence, which helped his family, belittle the troubles and reduce
his stress, allowing him t think clearly and work fearlessly.
3. What lessons do we learn from such hazardous experiences when we are face-to-face with death?
Ans: lessons we learn are of courage, keeping cool in the gravest crisis, not giving up hope, making continuous
efforts to overcome the crisis and of working together.

1
Wavering between different opinions or action; irresolute.
 4. Why do you think people undertake such adventurous expeditions in spite of the risks involved?
Ans: Dangerous expeditions heighten an adrenalin rush and stoke the urge to conquer obstacles. Also, the sea
holds a special draw, as sailing is synonymous with fun and adventure. Expeditions are memorable occasions for
family bonding, and an exposure to the lighter aspects of human existence.

Thinking about Language (Page 18, 19)

1. We have come across words like ‘gale’ and ‘storm’ in the account. Here are two more words for
‘storm’: typhoon, cyclone. How many words does your language have for ‘storm’?
Ans: Some Hindi words are Aandhi, Toofan, Jhanjhaa, and Jhanjhaawaat, Chakravaat; (cyclone)

2. Here are terms for different kinds of the vessels: yacht, boat, canoe, ship, steamer, and schooner.
Think of similar terms in your language.
Ans: Some Hindi/Urdu/Sanskrit words are: Naav, Nauka, Qashti, Jahaaz.

3. ‘Catamaran’ is a kind of boat. Do you know which Indian language this word is derived from?
Check the dictionary.
Ans: ‘Catamaran’ –from Tamil ‘katta-maram’, which means ‘tied tree’.

4. Have you heard any boat man’s songs? What kind of emotions do these songs usually express?
Ans: Yes/No. boatman’s songs express love for the sea, sea as mother, sea as a god,-seek blessings from the sea.
They also express a longing to be home with the family.

Working with words (Page 19)

1. The following words used in the text as ship terminology are also commonly used in another sense. In
what contexts would you use the other meaning?

Knot, stern, boom, hatch, anchor

Knot: group-‘knot of people’-physical sensation, ‘knot of fear on a ribbon thread’- hard lump-in the body, tree,
plants.
Stern: a serious expression of face, attitude or behaviour. –not yielding.
Boom: great rise. – Loud noise.
Hatch: cracking of eggs to let out chicks. –hatch a pilot, i.e. to conspire.
Anchor: source of strength, stability and confidence. –compare of a cultural programme.

2. The following three compound words end in –ship. What does each of them means?
Airship, flagship, lightship
Airship: aircraft, as flying machine
Flagship: the senior most ship in a flotilla or squadron carrying the senior most officers.
Lightship: un-laden ship without cargo or people or fuel.