Important Questions for Class 11 We’re Not Afraid To Die.. If We Can All Be Together Chapter 2 Hornbill
Table of Contents
Stanza
Question 1:
Answer the questions:
At dawn on January 2, the waves were gigantic. We were sailing with only a small storm jib and were still making eight knots. As the ship rose to the top of each wave we could see endless enormous seas rolling towards us, and the screaming of the wind and spray was painful to the ears. To slow the boat down, we dropped the storm jib and lashed a heavy mooring rope in a loop across the stern. Then we double-lashed everything, went through our life-raft drill, attached lifelines, donned oilskins and life jackets – and waited.
(i) How fast was the ship moving with only a small storm jib?
(a) Six knots
(b) Ten knots
(c) Eight knots
(d) Five knots
Answer
(c) Eight knots
(ii) What action was taken to slow the boat down?
(a) The sails were removed
(b) The engine was stopped
(c) A heavy rope was tied across the stern
(d) The anchor was dropped
Answer
(c) A heavy rope was tied across the stern
(iii) Which figure of speech is used in the phrase “the screaming of the wind”?
(a) Simile
(b) Metaphor
(c) Hyperbole
(d) Personification
Answer
(d) Personification
Important Questions for Class 11 We’re Not Afraid To Die.. If We Can All Be Together Chapter 2 Hornbill
Short-Type Questions-Answers (40-50 words)
Question 1:
Why does the captain call Ille Amsterdam ‘the most beautiful island’ in the world?
Answer
The captain calls Île Amsterdam the most beautiful island in the world because it appeared as a symbol of hope and relief after days of danger at sea. Its sight meant safety, survival, and rest for the crew, making it emotionally beautiful to them.
Question 2:
How did the children show courage during the storm?
Answer
During the storm, the children showed courage by remaining calm and composed despite their injuries and fear. Suzanne reassured her parents by saying they were not afraid to die, while Jon helped by supporting morale. Their bravery gave strength to the adults in a critical situation.
Question 3:
What was the purpose of the narrator’s voyage?
Answer
The purpose of the narrator’s voyage was to duplicate the round-the-world voyage of Captain James Cook. The narrator, along with his family, set out on a sea expedition to travel across the world by sea, testing their skills, courage, and endurance while experiencing life as sailors on the open ocean.
Question 4:
What efforts were made to face the rough weather?
Answer
To face the rough weather, the crew slowed the ship, tied extra ropes, repaired damages, and pumped out water continuously. The narrator covered the broken parts to prevent flooding. All members showed courage, teamwork, and determination to survive.
Question 5:
How did Gordon Cook and his family show courage and resilience during the storm?
Answer:
Gordon Cook and his family showed courage by remaining calm and united during the storm. They repaired damages, pumped out water continuously, and encouraged one another. Despite injuries and exhaustion, they did not lose hope and worked together to survive.
Important Questions for Class 11 We’re Not Afraid To Die.. If We Can All Be Together Chapter 2 Hornbill
Long-Type Questions-Answers
Question 1:
Give a brief description of the narrator’s boat. How had the narrator equipped and tested it?
Answer
The narrator’s boat, Wavewalker, was a strong, carefully designed family boat meant for long sea voyages. It was a 23-metre, wooden-hulled boat, rebuilt to withstand rough ocean conditions. The narrator had equipped it with modern navigation instruments, radio transmitters, a satellite phone, life rafts, and emergency supplies. Special care was taken to strengthen the hull, sails, and rigging so that the boat could face storms and high waves. Before starting the round-the-world voyage, the narrator tested the boat thoroughly. He sailed it on shorter trips to check its balance, speed, and safety features. Every piece of equipment was examined and rehearsed through drills so that the family knew how to respond in emergencies. This careful preparation helped the boat survive severe storms and ensured the safety of everyone on board.
Question 2:
The story, We Are Not Afraid to Die… if We Can All Be Together, highlights the themes of courage, hope, and human endurance in the face of adversity. Imagine you are one of the children on board the Wavewalker during the storm. How would you describe your thoughts and feelings during that time? How do you think such extreme challenges affect human behaviour, especially in a family?
Answer
As one of the children on board the Wavewalker, I remember feeling scared, but not helpless. The storm was terrifying, yet seeing my parents stay calm made me feel safe. I knew we were in danger, but we were together, and that gave me strength. I tried to be brave, not just for myself but for my family. Instead of panic, there was trust and quiet hope.
Such extreme challenges bring out the true nature of people. Fear does exist, but it is balanced by courage and responsibility. In a family, crises strengthen bonds—everyone supports one another, emotionally and practically. The storm taught me that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to face it together. When love, unity, and hope are present, even the most frightening situations become bearable.
Question 3:
Compare the emotional strength displayed by the narrator’s grandmother in ‘The Portrait of a Lady’ and the family in ‘We’re Not Afraid to Die… If We Can All Be Together’. How do they deal with adversity?
Answer:
The grandmother in “The Portrait of a Lady” shows emotional strength through quiet endurance and acceptance. She faces changes in her life calmly, without complaint, and maintains inner peace through prayer and faith. Even at the time of death, she remains composed and dignified. Similarly, the family in “We’re Not Afraid to Die… If We Can All Be Together” displays emotional strength during the terrifying storm at sea. They remain united, hopeful, and courageous despite injuries and exhaustion. While the grandmother deals with adversity through silence and spiritual strength, the family overcomes it through teamwork, optimism, and mutual support. Both portray resilience and show that emotional strength helps humans survive even the most difficult situations.
Important Questions for Class 11 We’re Not Afraid To Die.. If We Can All Be Together Chapter 2 Hornbill
