How does the story suggest that optimism helps to endure “the direst stress”?
“The very title of the story “We’re not Afraid to Die.........” suggests that hope sustains life. The narrator, his wife Mary and children Sue and Jonathan set sail from England. They were trying to repeat the incredible feat of Captain James Cook. Wavewalker had been professionally built and tested in the roughest weather. However, the gigantic waves that started thrashing Wavewalker from January 2, proved disastrous. The boat was capsizing. The narrator accepted his approaching death. But strong optimism saved them. Speed was slowed. Storm jib was dropped. Mooring ropes were tied across the stern. Life-jackets and oilskins were donned. The narrator’s ribs cracked and his mouth was filled with blood and broken teeth. Larry and Herb were pumping water out like madmen. Sue’s head had swollen alarmingly. But hope helped them to “endure the direst stress”. Even Jon was not afraid. He went on “we aren’t afraid of dying if we can all be together”.
At last, their optimism helped them to survive. The island lle Amsterdam was sighted. Jon was ready to hug his father. For Jon he was “the best daddy in the whole world and the best captain”. The next morning all the 28 inhabitants of lle Amsterdam cheered them and helped them ashore.
