We’re Not Afraid to Die… if We Can All Be Together – Questions & Answers
Very Short Answer Questions
- Who are the members of the narrator’s family?
Ans. The narrator, his wife Mary, and their children Jonathan and Suzanne. - What is the name of their boat?
Ans. Wavewalker. - Why did they go on a voyage?
Ans. To sail around the world and experience adventure together. - What happened on January 2?
Ans. A severe storm hit, breaking the mast and flooding the boat. - What did Jonathan say during the storm?
Ans. “We aren’t afraid to die if we can all be together.” - Who helped the family during the crisis?
Ans. Crew members Larry and Herb. - How did the family maintain courage?
Ans. By staying united and supporting each other during the storm. - How did Suzanne show bravery?
Ans. She remained calm despite being injured and never complained. - How did the crew manage the water entering the boat?
Ans. They worked tirelessly, pumping out water to keep the boat afloat. - When did the family reach safety?
Ans. On January 6, after several days of battling the storm.
Short Answer Questions (30–40 words)
- What preparations did the narrator and his family make for their round-the-world voyage?
The narrator, his wife Mary, and their children Jonathan and Suzanne spent years preparing their boat, Wavewalker. They practised sailing, tested the boat, and made it seaworthy with all safety equipment before setting off in July 1976. - Why did the narrator decide to undertake this voyage?
He wished to replicate Captain James Cook’s voyage around the world and experience adventure with his family, proving their endurance against the sea. - What difficulties did they face on January 2?
On January 2, the sea turned hostile. Enormous waves struck the boat, damaging it severely. The masts were broken, water gushed in, and the family fought to save Wavewalker from sinking. - How did the children display courage during the storm?
Jonathan said, “We aren’t afraid to die if we can all be together.” This reflected their courage and selflessness, which motivated the narrator to continue fighting the storm with hope. - What role did crew members Larry and Herb play in the crisis?
Both crew members worked tirelessly, pumping out water, repairing damages, and assisting in sailing. Their teamwork and bravery were crucial in keeping the boat afloat.
Long Answer Questions (120–150 words)
- Describe the mental strength of the narrator’s family during the storm.
The narrator’s wife, Mary, never lost her calm and managed the boat whenever required. The children, Jonathan and Suzanne, showed remarkable courage for their age. Suzanne, though injured, never complained. Jonathan displayed maturity by saying that they were not afraid to die if they remained together. This strong family spirit gave the narrator the emotional support and courage to continue battling the storm. Their unity, courage, and positive attitude turned a life-threatening situation into one of survival. - “We aren’t afraid to die if we can all be together.” Explain the significance of this statement.
This line, spoken by Jonathan, symbolises courage, sacrifice, and family bonding. It reflects the idea that love and togetherness are more important than fear of death. The words motivated the narrator and gave him new strength to continue fighting. It highlights the central theme of the chapter: courage and hope in the face of adversity. - How did the narrator and his crew finally manage to survive the storm?
The narrator used all his sailing skills to steer the boat. The crew, Larry and Herb, worked constantly at the pumps. The family kept their spirits high. They repaired damages, pumped out water, and adjusted sails. Their determination and team spirit helped them survive the storm until they reached safety on January 6. This incident became a true example of human endurance and resilience against nature’s fury.