The narration here is calm and descriptive. The narrator explains the background of the voyage, the preparation of the boat and the family’s dreams, then describes the early days at sea and the first signs of rough weather in a straightforward, factual way.
The narration becomes tense and dramatic. The focus shifts to the violent storm, the damage to the boat, the captain’s injuries, the pumping of water and the constant fear of sinking. Short, urgent details show their physical struggle and emotional stress.
The narration turns hopeful and reflective. The voyagers sight land, feel relief and gratitude, and the tone softens. The narrator now looks back on the experience, appreciating the courage of the children and the value of life and family.
| take on sth: | to begin to have a particular quality or appearance; to assume sth |
| take sb on: | to employ sb; to engage sb to accept sb as one’s opponent in a game, contest or conflict |
| take sb/sth on: | to decide to do sth; to allow sth/sb to enter e.g. a bus, plane or ship; to take sth/sb on board |
| airship flagship lightship |
| knot stern boom hatch anchor |