Table of Contents
Summary of 'We Are Not Afraid to Die'
The story revolves around a family—Gordon Cook, his wife Mary, and their
children, Jonathan and Suzanne—who embark on an ambitious voyage to sail
around the world in their boat, the
Wavewalker. The journey is
inspired by the famous round-the-world voyage of Captain James Cook.
The initial part of their journey from Plymouth, England, to Cape Town,
South Africa, goes smoothly. However, as they sail towards Australia, they
encounter severe weather in the Southern Indian Ocean. A massive wave hits
their boat, causing significant damage. Despite being injured and the boat
nearly sinking, the family works together with determination and courage to
survive.
The narrative highlights the spirit of survival, unity, and the indomitable
human will. The children display remarkable bravery, while the parents
remain resilient, trying to keep the boat afloat and ensuring the family's
safety. After days of struggle, they manage to reach a small island where
they are eventually rescued.
The story emphasizes themes of family unity, courage in the face of
adversity, and the strength of the human spirit when faced with
life-threatening challenges.
Understanding the Text (Q&A)
-
List the steps taken by the captain:
(i) To protect the ship when rough weather began:
-
The captain and his crew first slowed down the boat by dropping the
storm jib.
-
They lashed a heavy mooring rope in a loop across the stern to protect
the boat from the high waves.
-
The captain double-lashed everything, including the life rafts, and
fastened heavy equipment to prepare for the worst.
(ii) To check the flooding of the water in the ship:
-
The captain started pumping out the water using an electric pump.
-
When the electric pump short-circuited, he used a hand pump and even
started to pump the water out himself with the help of his crew.
-
They also managed to cover the gaping holes in the starboard side,
which helped reduce the flooding.
-
Describe the mental condition of the voyagers on 4 and 5
January:
-
On 4 January, the voyagers were in a state of deep
despair and fear as they faced the harsh reality of their damaged boat
and the relentless storm. The children were injured, and the adults
were exhausted from continuous efforts to save the boat. Despite this,
they were determined to survive.
-
On 5 January, after days of continuous struggle,
their morale was lifted slightly when they found a small island, Ile
Amsterdam. The sight of land brought hope and relief to the exhausted
and fearful voyagers, filling them with gratitude and a renewed sense
of survival.
-
Describe the shifts in the narration of the events as indicated in
the three sections of the text. Give a subtitle to each
section:
-
Section 1: "The Journey Begins"
The first part of the story introduces the family and their dream to
sail around the world. It describes their preparations and the
initial smooth journey. The tone is optimistic and adventurous.
-
Section 2: "The Storm and the Struggle"
The second part shifts to a darker, more intense narration as the
family encounters a severe storm. The focus is on their battle for
survival as the boat gets damaged and they face life-threatening
challenges. The mood is tense and filled with fear.
-
Section 3: "Hope and Rescue"
The final part of the story reveals the moment of hope when they
spot land, signaling the end of their ordeal. The narrative becomes
more positive as the family's resilience and courage are rewarded
with safety. The tone shifts to relief and gratitude.
Talking about the Text (Q&A)
-
What difference did you notice between the reaction of the adults
and the children when faced with danger?
-
The adults, especially the captain, were focused on survival and
managing the crisis by taking immediate and practical steps to save
the boat and everyone on board. They were deeply stressed but kept
their fear in check to protect their family.
-
The children, Jonathan and Suzanne, showed remarkable bravery and
maturity despite their young age. Instead of panicking, they
remained calm and even tried to console their parents. Their
positive attitude helped uplift the spirits of the adults, showing
that they faced the danger with quiet courage and optimism.
-
How does the story suggest that optimism helps to endure “the
direst stress”?
-
Throughout the story, the family’s optimism played a crucial role in
their survival. Even in the worst situations, the captain never gave
up hope and kept looking for solutions. The children’s positive
outlook, despite being injured, provided emotional support to the
adults. This optimism, combined with their determination, helped
them endure the extreme stress and eventually led to their rescue.
-
What lessons do we learn from such hazardous experiences when we
are face-to-face with death?
-
Hazardous experiences like the one described in the story teach us
the value of resilience, teamwork, and mental strength. When faced
with death, we learn to appreciate life more deeply and realize the
importance of staying calm and focused under pressure. Such
experiences also highlight the strength of the human spirit and the
power of hope, even in the most challenging situations.
-
Why do you think people undertake such adventurous expeditions in
spite of the risks involved?
-
People undertake adventurous expeditions because they seek to
challenge themselves, explore the unknown, and experience the thrill
of adventure. These journeys often provide a sense of achievement and
personal growth. Despite the risks, the desire to push boundaries,
discover new places, and test one’s limits can be a powerful motivator
for undertaking such expeditions. Additionally, the experience of
overcoming challenges and surviving against the odds can be immensely
rewarding and life-changing.
Additional Practice Questions on 'We're Not Afraid to Die... if We Can
All Be Together
-
What motivated the captain to undertake the voyage around the
world?
-
Answer: The captain was inspired by the famous
round-the-world voyage of Captain James Cook. He wanted to
replicate this adventure with his family and experience the thrill
of circumnavigating the globe.
-
How did the children contribute to the family's survival during
the crisis?
-
Answer: The children, Jonathan and Suzanne,
remained calm and optimistic despite their injuries. They
refrained from complaining, provided emotional support to their
parents, and displayed remarkable bravery, which boosted the
morale of the entire family.
-
What was the condition of the Wavewalker after it was
hit by the giant wave?
-
Answer: After the Wavewalker was hit by
the giant wave, it was severely damaged. The starboard side was
bashed open, the main frame was broken, and the boat began to
flood with water. The situation was critical, and the boat was in
danger of sinking.
-
What role did the island of Ile Amsterdam play in the
story?
-
Answer: The sighting of Ile Amsterdam was a
turning point in the story. It provided hope and relief to the
family after days of relentless struggle. The island served as a
safe haven where the family could finally find refuge after their
harrowing ordeal at sea.
-
Why did the captain and his crew choose to slow down the boat
before the storm hit?
-
Answer: The captain and his crew slowed down the
boat by dropping the storm jib to prevent it from being
overpowered by the high waves and strong winds. Slowing down was a
precautionary measure to protect the boat from the full force of
the storm.
-
What does Suzanne’s injury and her reaction to it reveal about
her character?
-
Answer: Suzanne suffered a serious head injury
but chose not to complain about it. Her reaction reveals her
strength, maturity, and selflessness. Despite her pain, she
remained composed, showing concern for her family's well-being
rather than focusing on her own discomfort.
-
How did the family’s experience during the storm change their
outlook on life?
-
Answer: The family’s experience during the storm
likely made them more appreciative of life and the importance of
sticking together during tough times. It taught them the value of
resilience, teamwork, and the power of hope in overcoming
adversity.
-
What challenges did the crew face while trying to repair the
damaged boat?
-
Answer: The crew faced numerous challenges while
trying to repair the damaged boat, including pumping out water
continuously, dealing with the short-circuited electric pump,
using a hand pump, and covering the gaping holes in the boat’s
starboard side. They had to work tirelessly in dangerous
conditions to keep the boat afloat.
-
How did the story’s title reflect the central theme of the
narrative?
-
Answer: The title "We're Not Afraid to Die... if
We Can All Be Together" reflects the central theme of unity and
resilience. It emphasizes that the family’s strength came from
their togetherness, which helped them face the life-threatening
challenges without fear, knowing they had each other for support.
-
What do you think is the significance of the family surviving the
ordeal together?
-
Answer: The family surviving the ordeal together
signifies the power of unity, love, and determination. It shows
that, no matter how dire the situation, staying united and
supporting each other can help overcome even the most difficult
challenges. Their survival is a testament to the strength they found
in their bond as a family.
20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on 'We're Not Afraid to Die...'
-
Why did the captain decide to undertake the voyage around the
world?
- a) He wanted to win a sailing competition.
- b) He was inspired by Captain James Cook's voyage.
- c) He wanted to escape from his routine life.
- d) He planned to write a book about the journey.
-
What was the name of the boat the family used for their
voyage?
- a) Wavecrasher
- b) Wavewalker
- c) Seafarer
- d) Stormbreaker
-
How many people were initially on board the
Wavewalker?
- a) Two
- b) Three
- c) Four
- d) Five
-
What happened to the boat on the night of January 2?
- a) It collided with another vessel.
- b) It was struck by a massive wave.
- c) It caught fire.
- d) It was overturned by a strong wind.
-
Which part of the Wavewalker was severely damaged by
the wave?
- a) The starboard side
- b) The port side
- c) The bow
- d) The stern
-
What was the first thing the captain did to stop the boat from
sinking?
- a) He used an electric pump to remove water.
- b) He sent out a distress signal.
- c) He threw heavy equipment overboard.
- d) He tried to repair the sail.
-
How did Suzanne react to her injury?
- a) She cried and asked for medical attention.
- b) She remained calm and didn't complain.
- c) She fainted due to the pain.
- d) She demanded that they return home immediately.
-
What was the main challenge the crew faced after the wave
hit?
- a) Finding food and water
- b) Steering the boat
- c) Stopping the flooding of water into the boat
- d) Dealing with the cold weather
-
What did the children say when asked if they were afraid to
die?
- a) "We are not afraid to die if we can all be together."
- b) "We don't want to die."
- c) "We are terrified of dying."
- d) "We must find a way to survive."
-
What did the family do when they spotted Ile Amsterdam?
- a) They celebrated and prepared to dock.
- b) They ignored it, thinking it was a mirage.
- c) They sent out distress signals.
- d) They decided to sail away from the island.
-
Why was the island of Ile Amsterdam important to the
family?
- a) It was a famous tourist destination.
- b) It was a place where they could find food and water.
- c) It offered them a safe haven after their ordeal.
- d) It was the final destination of their voyage.
-
What was the condition of the children throughout the
ordeal?
- a) They were constantly crying and afraid.
-
b) They stayed cheerful and tried to console their parents.
- c) They were indifferent to the danger.
- d) They were angry and upset.
-
How did the captain react after the boat was severely
damaged?
- a) He panicked and lost hope.
- b) He took charge and worked to repair the boat.
- c) He decided to abandon the boat.
- d) He blamed the crew for the damage.
-
What lesson can be inferred from the family's experience at
sea?
- a) Adventure is not worth the risk.
- b) Unity and resilience can help overcome any challenge.
- c) It's better to avoid dangerous situations.
- d) Luck is the only factor in survival.
-
Why did the captain and his crew drop the storm jib?
- a) To increase the speed of the boat.
- b) To slow down the boat and protect it from the storm.
- c) To prevent the boat from drifting off course.
- d) To repair the damaged sail.
-
How did the crew deal with the short-circuited electric
pump?
- a) They repaired it quickly.
- b) They used a hand pump instead.
- c) They abandoned the boat.
- d) They contacted the coast guard for help.
-
What does the story suggest about the importance of family in
times of crisis?
- a) Family can be a burden during a crisis.
-
b) Family members may abandon each other in difficult times.
- c) Family provides strength and support during a crisis.
- d) Family makes it harder to survive.
-
What did the captain and his family learn from their
ordeal?
- a) To avoid the sea at all costs.
- b) To always be prepared for the worst.
- c) To never undertake a risky journey.
- d) To trust in luck and fate.
-
What inspired the captain to name the boat
Wavewalker?
- a) The boat was designed to withstand big waves.
- b) The name was a tribute to his favorite book.
- c) The boat was meant to be faster than the waves.
- d) The name was randomly chosen.
-
Which of the following best describes the overall theme of the
story?
- a) The unpredictability of the sea.
- b) The dangers of adventure.
- c) The power of family unity and resilience.
- d) The importance of technology in survival.
Answer Key:
- b) He was inspired by Captain James Cook's voyage.
- b) Wavewalker
- c) Four
- b) It was struck by a massive wave.
- a) The starboard side
- a) He used an electric pump to remove water.
- b) She remained calm and didn't complain.
- c) Stopping the flooding of water into the boat
- a) "We are not afraid to die if we can all be together."
- a) They celebrated and prepared to dock.
- c) It offered them a safe haven after their ordeal.
- b) They stayed cheerful and tried to console their parents.
- b) He took charge and worked to repair the boat.
- b) Unity and resilience can help overcome any challenge.
- b) To slow down the boat and protect it from the storm.
- b) They used a hand pump instead.
- c) Family provides strength and support during a crisis.
- b) To always be prepared for the worst.
- a) The boat was designed to withstand big waves.
- c) The power of family unity and resilience.
