Important Questions: We're Not Afraid to Die...if We Can All Be Together | English Class 11 PDF Download

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q2. Who were the voyagers who set sail from England to reach Australia?
Ans: The voyagers were a family consisting of a 37-year-old businessman, his wife Mary, their son Jonathan, aged 6, and their daughter Sue, aged 7. They set sail from Plymouth, England, aiming to replicate the famous voyage of Captain James Cook.

Q3: Word meanings
(i) Honing
Ans: Sharpening skills

(ii) Impending
Ans: About to happen

(iii) Capsizing
Ans: Overturning

(iv) Hurled
Ans: Thrown with force

Q4. The sailing was set from which place to which other?
Ans: The sailing began in England and concluded in Ile Amsterdam.

Q5. The lines “we’re not afraid to die” are spoken by whom and when?
Ans: The lines were spoken by the narrator's six-year-old son, Jonathan. He expressed these words when the narrator went to comfort his children during a dangerous situation at sea.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q7. What preparations were made by the narrator for the journey?
Ans: The narrator dedicated sixteen years to preparing for his dream of sailing around the world. During this time, he honed his navigation skills in his spare moments. He also constructed a boat named Wavewalker, which measured 23 metres in length and weighed 30 tons.

Q8. What were the facts and figures that the narrator knew about the southern Indian Ocean?
Ans: The narrator was aware of the potential dangers associated with the Southern Indian Ocean. His concerns became a reality when they departed from Cape Town and encountered a severe storm, enduring heavy gales for over a week.

Q9. What problem was faced by the narrator regarding the pump?
Ans: The narrator faced several problems with the pump system on the ship. An open hole in the deck allowed water to enter, while the hand pump became blocked with debris. Additionally, the electric pump short-circuited, and two spare hand pumps were lost overboard during the storm. Fortunately, the narrator remembered another electric pump stored under the chartroom floor, which was successfully used to pump out water, ultimately aiding in their survival.

Q10. What preparations were made by the narrator to encounter the stormy sea on January 2?
Ans: On January 2, the crew faced enormous waves and increasingly strong winds. To prepare for the stormy sea, the narrator and his team took several important steps. They lashed a heavy mooring rope across the stern of the boat and dropped the storm jib to reduce speed. Additionally, they double-lashed all equipment, conducted a life-raft drill, and donned oilskins and life jackets. To ensure safety, they also attached themselves with lifelines, readying themselves for the challenging conditions ahead.

Q11. On January 6, what news was given to the narrator by his children?
Ans: At 6 p.m. on January 6, the narrator's son, Jonathan, woke him up with a hug, declaring that he was the best daddy in the world and the best captain. His daughter, Sue, then shared the exciting news that they had reached Ile Amsterdam.

Q12. When did the voyagers' journey start? How did they fare along the route?
Ans: In July 1976, the narrator's family set sail from the English shore. They were aware of the risks involved, particularly in the Southern Indian Ocean, known for its dangerous storms and strong winds. Their fears materialised as they encountered severe storms for several weeks after departing from Cape Town. On January 2, they faced enormous sea waves that damaged the boat's deck and hull. Despite these challenges, their determination and hard work helped them survive. Ultimately, they reached Ile Amsterdam, finding safety after a harrowing journey.

Q13. When did the couple lose all hope of survival?
Ans: On the afternoon of January 4, the sky grew increasingly dark, and the sea became rougher. By the evening of January 5, they noticed that more water was flooding through the broken planks, leading them to believe that their end was near. By this time, they had lost all hope of survival. 

Q14. Why did the narrator think of Amsterdam as the most beautiful city in the world? Why does he say thank you to his family and the crewmen?
Ans: Despite being a volcanic rock with minimal vegetation, the narrator viewed Amsterdam as the most beautiful island in the world. This perception stemmed from the sense of security it provided against the perilous sea. The narrator expressed gratitude to his family and the crew for their courage and calmness during the challenging journey, acknowledging their support in tough times.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q15. How was Sue able to make her father laugh even in unfortunate situations? What place did they want to reach?
Ans: As the situation on the ship worsened, the atmosphere became tense. In this difficult moment, Sue, the narrator's daughter, created a card featuring caricatures of her parents, calling them funny people. This small gesture brought laughter to the entire family. Inside the card, she expressed her love and gratitude, saying, "Oh, how I love you both. So this card is to say thank you, and let's hope for the best." The family aimed to reach Ile Amsterdam, a 65-kilometre-wide island surrounded by 150,000 kilometres of ocean. This island housed a French scientific base, making it a challenging destination to locate in such a vast and daunting sea.

Q16. How did the narrator get inspired to take a risky voyage?
Ans: The narrator, a businessman, always dreamed of sailing around the world. He was inspired by the remarkable achievements of Captain James Cook, aiming to replicate his historic journey from 200 years ago. Despite being aware of the significant risks and dangers of the Southern Indian Ocean, he demonstrated great courage and decided to embark on the voyage. His adventurous spirit and determination allowed him to face any challenges that arose during his journey.

Q17. What part did Jonathan and Sue play in the treacherous voyage?
Ans: The narrator's family voyage was marked by remarkable courage from his children, Jonathan and Sue. Jonathan, aged six, and Sue, aged seven, faced the treacherous conditions with bravery. Despite Sue suffering from a bump on her head and cuts on her arm, she did not want to worry her father. The family endured two days without food, yet they remained complaint-free. Over ten days, the ship battled fierce storms, strong winds, and towering waves, coming close to sinking. During this turmoil, Jonathan reassured his father by stating that they were not afraid to die as long as they were together. The family's collective strength inspired the narrator to persevere against the harsh weather.