“We’re Not Afraid to Die… if We Can All Be Together” — Gordon Cook & Alan East.
Here are carefully prepared important questions and answers for the Class 11 English Chapter "We’re Not Afraid to Die… if We Can All Be Together". The questions are exam-focused and the answers are concise yet concept-rich, allowing students to grasp the key ideas in one reading.
We’re Not Afraid to Die… if We Can All Be Together: Summary
The chapter "We’re Not Afraid to Die… if We Can All Be Together" is a first-person account by Gordon Cook, who set sail with his wife Mary, son Jonathan, and daughter Suzanne to duplicate Captain James Cook’s round-the-world voyage. Their boat, Wavewalker, was specially built for the journey and thoroughly tested before departure. The family, joined by two crew members, encountered violent storms and gigantic waves shortly after leaving Cape Town.
Disaster struck when a monstrous wave severely damaged the boat, injuring members of the family and leaving Wavewalker at risk of sinking. Despite the life-threatening situation, everyone displayed remarkable courage and resilience. The captain worked tirelessly to repair the vessel and pump out water, while the children, although hurt, remained calm and supportive. After days of struggle and uncertainty, their determination and optimism paid off when they miraculously reached the tiny island of Ile Amsterdam, where they were rescued.
This chapter highlights themes of courage, optimism, teamwork, and the strength of family bonds in the face of adversity, showing how hope and unity can help people endure even the direst circumstances.
Essential Facts & Quick Definitions for Revision
- Author / Narrator: Gordon Cook (captain) — first person.
- When / Where: Sailed July 1976; storm events in late Dec → early Jan; damaged ~3,500 km east of Cape Town; reached Ile Amsterdam on Jan 6.
- Key vocabulary:
- Gale — a very strong wind.
- Storm jib — a small, strong sail used in heavy weather.
- Life-raft drill — emergency procedure to prepare the crew for abandoning ship.
- Heave-to — a seamanship technique to keep the bow/undamaged side into waves.
- Sea-anchor — improvised drag device (here rope + barrels) used to stabilise the vessel.
MCQs
1. The ship’s name was —
A) Seawalker
B) Wavewalker
C) Windwalker
D) Oceanwalker.
Answer: B.
2. The dangerous wave first hit on —
A) Dec 25
B) Jan 2
C) Jan 6
D) Jul 2.
Answer: B.
3. The captain found a working electric pump under the —
A) cabin floor
B) chartroom floor
C) engine room
D) children’s cabin.
Answer: B.
4. The island they reached was —
A) Ile Amsterdam
B) Ile de la Reunion
C) Mauritius
D) Madagascar.
Answer: A.
5. Who helped with the pumping? —
A) Only the captain
B) Only Mary
C) Larry and Herb
D) No one.
Answer: C.
Very short answers — 1–2 marks (1–2 lines)
1. Who narrates the account and when did they sail?
Ans. The narrator is Gordon Cook (the captain). They set sail in July 1976.
2. Name the family members on board.
Ans. Mary (wife), Jonathan (son, 6) and Suzanne/Sue (daughter, 7).
3. What is the boat called and what type is it?
Ans. Wavewalker — a 23-metre, 30-ton wooden-hulled yacht.
4. Which two crewmen joined at Cape Town?
Ans. Larry Vigil (American) and Herb Seigler (Swiss).
5. Where did they hope to reach for safety?
Ans. A tiny pair of islands (Ile Amsterdam — a French scientific base).
Very Important Questions and Answers
1. What led the narrator’s family to undertake the voyage?
Answer: The narrator, Gordon Cook, and his wife Mary were inspired by Captain James Cook’s round-the-world voyage from 200 years earlier. They spent 16 years preparing and honing their sailing skills before setting off with their children to duplicate this historical journey.
2. How did the family prepare for the journey?
Answer: They had a specially built 23-metre boat called Wavewalker, fitted professionally. The family devoted months to testing it in harsh weather, ensuring it was ready for the tough conditions at sea.
3. What was the first major challenge faced by the Wavewalker crew and how did they handle it?
Answer: After leaving Cape Town with two experienced crew members, the family was caught in strong, continuous gales with massive waves up to 15 metres high. They managed the situation through rigorous safety drills, securing the ship, and teamwork to confront the dangers.
4. Describe the events on January 2 and the steps the captain took to save the ship.
Answer: A monstrous wave severely damaged the ship, injuring the captain and flooding Wavewalker. The captain stretched canvas over gaping holes, fixed waterproof hatch covers, used hand and electric pumps, and worked tirelessly with the crew to stop the ship from sinking.
5. How did the children, Jonathan and Suzanne, react to the crisis, and what does this reveal about their character?
Answer: Despite personal injuries and fear, Jonathan and Suzanne remained calm and brave. Suzanne did not mention her injuries to avoid worrying her parents, while Jonathan said, “We aren’t afraid of dying if we can all be together.” Their resilience and maturity provided encouragement to the family.
6. What qualities helped the family and crew survive, and what lessons can be learned from their ordeal?
Answer: Optimism, perseverance, courage, and unity helped them endure extreme stress. Their optimism fueled by mutual support enabled them to fight despair and survive. The story teaches the importance of teamwork, determination, and hope even in critical situations.
7. Explain the symbolism behind the chapter’s title: “We’re Not Afraid to Die… if We Can All Be Together.”
Answer: The title reflects the strength and comfort the family found in each other’s presence. Facing death was less frightening because they were united, showing that togetherness can help overcome even the greatest fear.
8. How did the journey end, and what was the significance of Ile Amsterdam island?
Answer: After days of struggle and navigation, they miraculously spotted the tiny island of Ile Amsterdam, their only hope of rescue. It appeared “as big as a battleship” and symbolized safety and relief after intense suffering.
9. What difference was observed between the reactions of the adults and the children during danger?
Answer: Adults displayed anxiety and actively worked to solve problems, while children showed calm acceptance and emotional support, highlighting the contrasting ways people respond to crises and the power of hope and unity.
10. How does the chapter suggest that optimism helps endure dire stress?
Answer: Despite facing disaster after disaster, the family's optimistic attitudes and mutual encouragement allowed them to survive. Their positive outlook prevented despair and strengthened their will to overcome danger.
11. Give subtitles for the three narrative sections and explain the shifts.
Ans.
- Section 1 — Departure & build-up: background, route and worsening weather.
- Section 2 — The disaster & fight to survive: the giant wave, damage and frantic repairs/pumping.
- Section 3 — Hope & rescue: sighting Ile Amsterdam, landing and reflection.
The focus shifts from planning to crisis to survival/rescue, moving from technical action to emotional reflection.
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