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Medona Tokpam, , SINKING OF THE TITANIC, — M. Geelan, SHORT ANSWERS, Q1., Ans:, , Q2., or, Ans:, , Describe the harm done to the ‘Titanic’ from the impact with the, iceberg?, As soon as the ‘Titanic’ collided with the huge iceberg, ice tumbled, upon her decks. The iceberg scrapped the ship’s right side buckling, the hull in several places and opened six water-tight compartments., Thus, the ‘unsinkable’ leviathan sank that night., “Hard a starboard-full speed astern.”, What was the intention behind the order?, What was First Officer Murdock’s immediate reaction just after he, had seen the huge mountain of iceberg?, First officer Murdock gave the tiller the order for an abrupt turn, to port left in the vain hope that he could swing the ship’s bow, clear and then her stern. But it did not happen so; the Titanic, received a death blow., , Q3., , What did Mrs. Isidore Strauss say when she was requested to take, her place in a boat ?, , or, or, Ans:, , What was the firm determination of Mrs Isidore Strauss ?, How did even death fail to separate Mr and Mrs. Isidore Strauss?, When Mrs. Isidore Strauss was requested again and again to, take her place in a life-boat, she refused saying that she and her, husband were old people and wanted to die together. Finally,, they were seen to be drowned together as they had wished., , Q4., , What was the most pathetic and horrible sight in the men in the, lifeboats?, The life-boats and the rafts became so full that it seemed as if, they would sink if any more came on board. The crew, therefore,, for their self-preservation did not permit any more to clamber on., The piteous cries of those helpless people in the sea was the most, pathetic and horrible sight in the men in the life-boats., , Ans:, , Q5., Ans:, , Write how the law of the sea was enforced on the Titanic?, According to the law of the sea, women and children should be, saved first. When the Titanic started sinking, this rule was strictly, adhered to by the Captain. No man was allowed to board the, life-boats.
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Q6., Ans:, , Why was the Titanic the envy and admiration of the maritime, nations of the world ?, The Titanic was a masterpiece in speed, in comfort, in beauty, and in equipment. Everything about her was big and fascinating, beyond comparison. The Titanic was the safest and biggest vessel, ever built by men of that time. So, the Titanic was the envy and, admiration of the maritime nations of the world., , Q7., Ans:, , How was man’s pride humbled through the destruction of the Titanic?, The Titanic was designed to ride with easy arrogance and, dominance and believed to be indestructible. She was the safest, and biggest vessel ever constructed by man. But she was humbled, and destroyed by an enemy none other than frozen water-ice., , Q8., Ans:, , Why were the bandsmen described as heroes ?, The bandsmen exhibited faith and fortitude by playing music., Earlier they played ragtime music to entertain the passengers., Later, when the end was near, they changed the music into hymn, tunes to comfort the passengers. Their heroic courage was really, magnificent., , Q9., Ans:, , Describe the manner in which Col. Astor died in the shipwreck?, Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Astor had just ended their honeymoon in Egypt., Mr. Astor‘s bride was ill. So, he quietly asked if he could accompany her., But his proposal was rejected. His wife was saved, but Col. Astor, perished, going down with the ship., , Q10., Ans:, , Why did Second officer Lightoller give a special warning?, Second officer Lightoller gave a special warning to the two look-out, men in the crow’s nest not because of any special fear but because, in such a calm sea the presence of ice would not be able to detect, easily., , Q11., Ans., , What caused the Titanic to sink ?, The primary factor involved is the ship’s collision with a massive, iceberg. The Titanic had been built with sixteen watertight, compartments that were believed to be ‘unsinkable’. When the, ship struck the iceberg, six of those compartments were damaged, and the ship began to take on water very rapidly. Thus, the Titanic, sank in the deep icy cold water., , Q12., , “Women and children first”, Why has it been done on the sinking of the Titanic?, As it was clear that the Titanic would surely sink, Captain Smith, thought of transferring the passengers to safety. But as she was, touted as the safest ship ever built, there weren’t enough lifeboats, to provide accommodation for all the passengers. So, he adhered, to the law of the sea and gave the order to save the women and, children first., , Ans:
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Q13., Ans:, , Who were rescued first and how were they rescued in the sinking, of the Titanic ?, The women and the children were rescued first when the Titanic, was sinking. The Captain strictly adhered to the law of the sea, and accordingly, the women and the children were transferred, to the life saving boats for safety., , Q14., Ans:, , What made the Titanic a masterpiece ?, The Titanic was the safest and biggest vessel ever built by men, of that time. In speed, in comfort, in beauty and in equipment, she was beyond comparison. Everything about her was big and, fascinating, which made the Titanic a masterpiece., , Q15., Ans:, , Why was the Titanic described as the ‘Queen of the Seas’?, The Titanic was built in such a way that it looked arrogant,, dominant and hard to destruct, just like a queen. It was believed, to be the most grand, majestic, enormous, powerful and luxurious, ship. So, it was described as the ‘Queen of the Seas’., , Q16., Ans:, , What was the shock that reverberated throughout the whole world?, The ship which was believed to be unsinkable had its doom, on the Atlantic Ocean on 15th April, 1912 after it hit a huge ice-berg., Many lives perished in the icy cold water. This is the shock that, reverberated throughout the world., , Q17., Ans:, , Why is the Titanic called a Leviathan ?, Leviathan means a huge beast or a sea monster. As the Titanic, was unusually large and powerful when compared to any other, vessels of its time, it was entitled as a Leviathan., , Q18., , Why have the chief wireless operator Phillips and his junior Bride, been described as heroes?, After the Titanic hit the ice-berg, the wireless operators Philips, and Harold Bride kept on sending S.O.S signals relentlessly even, when they had been released from their posts until their deck, was washed by the sea water. Philips died of exposure and Bride, was crippled. Because of their dauntless courage, they have been, described as heroes., , Ans:, , Q19., Ans:, , Why were the engineers of the Titanic described as ‘Bravely British’?, The engineers stuck to their duties and kept the dynamics to, the last minute. They ceased their duties only when the steaming, water from the boilers burst and met a horrible death. Thus, they, were described as ‘Bravely British’ because of their heroic act in, trying to save the people and Titanic from sinking.
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Q20., Ans:, , What were the strategies taken by the crew after the Titanic hit the ice-berg?, The moment the Titanic hit the ice-berg, First officer Murdock, immediately shut the water tight doors. When Captain Smith found, the collision to be fatal, he ordered the life-boats to be readied., Engineers tried hard to cool down the boilers. Philips, the chief, wireless operator, too kept on sending out the SOS signals feverishly., Distress rockets were also being sent up to the sky from the bridge., , Q21., Ans:, , Describe the scene of the Titanic just before it sank into the sea?, The last moment of the Titanic was an awesome spectacle to, look at. The ship’s stern rose into the air and everything unsecured, crashed towards the water. While the stern rose vertically, the, electrical system finally gave way causing the lights to go out., After a few moments of hesitation the gigantic ship which was, believed to be unsinkable finally sank into the deep cold icy water., , Q22., , What were the various amenities provided by the Titanic to its, passengers?, The amenities provided by the Titanic to its passengers were a, Parisan cafe, a Jacobean dining room seating five hundred, a, swimming pool, squash racket courts, a gymnasium, a library, sun, parlours and tea-terraces and a huge ballroom with hidden lighting., , Ans., , Q23., or, Ans., , What was the incident which was more akin like a melodrama, in the wireless room?, What was the little drama enacted in the wireless cabin?, Philips, the chief wireless operator was tapping SOS signal, relentlessly to save the lives on board the ship. On the other hand,, a man, only for his own safety, was trying to remove the life belt, which Philips was wearing. Seeing this angered Bride and killed, the man without hesitation. Bride, who was discharging his duty, just to save the lives of many even when he was released from, his post was compelled to kill a man to save another of his crew., , Q24., Ans., , Why were the passengers in high spirits even after four days at sea ?, Blinded by the confidence that the ship is unsinkable and the, immense enjoyment provided by the amenities of the ship, the, passengers were in high spirits even after four days at sea. Further,, they were anticipating the thrill of New York’s welcome., , Q25., , “Those in the lifeboats and on the rafts did not turn back.”, Why did the people who had escaped to safety from the sinking, Titanic do so ?, Those in the lifeboatsand on the rafts did not turn back as they, were apprehensive of the suction when the ship took its final, plunge. In the other case, if they return to the rescue, the peril, would be overcrowding and panic., , Ans.
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Q.26. “The ship that could not sink had gone.”, Why was Titanic regarded as unsinkable?, Ans., The Titanic was the safest and biggest vessel ever bulit by, men of that time. It was built in such a way that it looked arrogant,, dominant and indestructible. So, the Titanic was regarded as, unsinkable., Q.27. “This was the time, not for record breaking...”, Was it capable for the Titanic to break record? If so, why had it, not done?, Ans., The Titanic had been doing 21 to 22 knots without vibration, which indicated it was easily capable of setting up a new record, in crossing the Atlantic. But as it was her maiden voyage, no attempt, was being made as it was the time of testing and observation., Q.28. What was Captain Smith’s reaction when he came on the bridge?, Ans., When Captain Smith came on the bridge, his eyes were, anxious and his face already drawn. But his voice and hands, were steady. He ordered to close the emergency doors and to, find the depth of the water in the ship’s hold., Q.29. “Next came the order, all hands on deck.”, What were the reaction of all the crews to the order?, Ans., The crews who had already gone to sleep came tumbling, up. They did not believe that the Titanic would sink even after, knowing that she had torn herself on the ice-berg. However, they, followed the Captains order and rushed to the boat deck., Q.30. What was the first effect of the impact on the passengers when, the Titanic hit the ice-berg?, Ans., The first effect of the impact on the passengers was quite, unusual. In the card room some of the passengers still continued, with their games. Those enjoing their good night drinks wondered, humorously asto what the fuss was about. Those who were asleep, were awakened by the slight jar or the sudden unusual cessation, of the engine. They left theit rooms not in fear but out of curiosity., On the deck they met in groups and asked each other a number, of questions., Q.31. “Born of the silence came an awful apprehension”., What did the passengers see after the engine of the ship stopped?, Ans., As soon as the engine stopped, the passengers knew that, there was danger. They saw men working at the boat fall. Sailors, shouted them to fetch their lifebelts. They saw distress rockets, streaming up the sky. The word ‘ice’ cut deep into their fears.
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Q.32. “To add to their feelings of false ....”, What is the false security referred to here?, Ans., The first and foremost false security of the passengers of the, Titanic was their belief that the ship itself was indestructible and, unsinkable. The false security after the ship hit the ice-berg was, that people were taken away in the life boats purely as a, precautionary measure and would in due course return., , Q.33. What did some of the passengers who could not find a place in, the boat do?, Ans., Some of the passengers who could not find a place in the, boat acted differently. There were many stoics and fatalists on the, slanting deck who accepted theit fate calmly. Others prepared, to jump into the icy water trusting to providence and their life-belts., Q.34. Describe Major Butt as a hero., Ans., Major Butt, an ADC to the American President was one of, the passengers on the Titanic. He helped women to safety even, when water was lapping around his ankles., Q.35. What did Colonel Gracie see while he was trying to save himself?, Ans., Colonel Gracie saw dying men and women crying and, moaning around him. When one of the Titanic’s funnel was, separated and fell apart near him, bodies scattered all over in, the water. Finally, after a desparate struggle, he succeeded in, boarding a raft., Q.36. Describe the last m inutes of the Titanic., Ans., The last moment of the Titanic was an awesome spectacle, and so gruesome a scene to look at. The ship’s stern rose into, the air and everything unsecured crashed into the water. The, electrical system failed and the lights went out one after the other., After a few moments of hesitation the gigantic ship which was, believed to be unsinkable finally sank into the deep cold icy water., Q.37. What precaution did the officers of the ship take against icebergs?, Ans., As the officers were aware that the ship had reached the, icy regions, the ship’s safety had been regulated by passenger, liners again and again. Moreover, they received formal messages, by radio that there weren’t any dangerous bergs in the Titanics, direct course., Q.38. How did the passengers enjoy themselves during the four days, at sea?, Ans., During the four days at sea, the passengers were in high, spirits. There was music and dancing, card playing and mild, flirtations and enjoyed all the many joys offered by the luxury liner., Further, they, were anticipating their welcome in New York with, excitement.
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Q.1, Ans., , Why was the captain of the ship regarded as British to the core?, Captain Smith, the captain of the ‘Titanic’, was very brave and, courageous. Under his guidance and supervision, the Titanic was, on its maiden voyage to New York. Unfortunately, the Titanic hit, an iceberg. Its keel was ripped and her side buckled. It was sure, that the Titanic would sink. At this crucial moment, he didn’t show, any anxiety. Though worried he showed his calm and steady nature, and ordered a full stop. As it was already done, he gave the order, to find the depth of the water in the ship’s hold. However, it became, obvious that the ship could not be saved. The collision was fatal, and the icy water soon poured through the ship. So he ordered, the life-boats to be readied to transfer the passengers for safety., As the life boats were insufficient, he enforced the law of the sea,, i.e. to evacuate women and children first. He adhered strictly to, this rule. While the officers were working on the boats, he shouted, “Be British”. According to him, British show exemplary courage and, bravery at the time of danger. When the ship tilted forward, he was, thrown violently into the sea. There he picked up a baby in the, water and swam with it to a boat. When he handed the infant, aboard, he was urged to climb into the craft himself. He refused, it saying he would swim to a piece of wreckage nearby. He was, not seen again. Thus, under his supervision and inspiration, all the, crew members carried out their rescue operation without any concern, for their own lives. He died a heroic death. We can no doubt say that, the captain was British to the core., , Q.2, , “The sinking of the Titanic is one of the greatest tragedies in human, history - “, Describe the activities and courages of those heroes shown on the, night the tragedy occured., Bring out the heroism of the Captain, officers and crew members in, “Sinking of the Titanic”., During the Titanic disaster, the Captain, officers and crew, members showed dauntless courage, discipline and heroism., None of them neglected their duties even at the time of peril., Captain Smith was calm and steady at the time of danger. He, strictly adhered to the law of the sea, i.e. to save women and, children first. When he was thrown violently into the sea, he picked, up a baby and handed it to a boat. He refused to get into the, boat and determined swim to a piece of wreckage nearby. He, was not seen anymore. The wireless operators Philips and Harold, Bride kept on sending S.O.S signals relentlessly even when they, had been released from their posts until their deck was washed, by the sea water. Philips died of exposure and Bride was crippled., The bandsmen exhibited faith and fortitude by playing music to, comfort the passengers until the final moment. Their heroic courage, was really magnificent. The engineers were also bravely British., They stuck to their duties and kept the dynamics to the last minute., They ceased their duties only when the steaming water from the, boilers burst, meeting a horrible death and went to an honoured, grave. Thus, the Captain, officers and crew members showed, dauntless courage and heroism in trying to save the people and, Titanic from sinking., , Or, Ans.
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Q3., Ans:, , Q4., Ans:, , Describe the activities of the officers during the few initial minutes, when the ship hit the ice-berg., The moment the Titanic hit the ice-berg, First officer Murdock, immediately shut the water tight doors. Captain Smith, alerted, by the sudden jolt of the impact arrived on the bridge. Though, worried he showed his calm and steady nature and ordered a, full stop. As it was already done, he gave the order to find the, depth of the water in the ship’s hold. However, he found it out to, be useless. The collision was fatal and the icy water soon poured, through the ship. So he ordered the life-boats to be readied to, transfer the passengers for safety. On one side, engineers were, trying hard to cool down the boilers amidst the deafening noise., Philips, the chief wireless operator, too kept on sending out the SOS, signals vehemently. Distress rockets were also being sent up to, the sky from the bridge., Thus, all the men and the officers in the Titanic tried their, best in the hope of saving the would-be sinking Titanic., , Describe the last minutes of the Titanic and many of the passengers, who sank with her., The last moment of the Titanic was an awesome spectacle, and so gruesome a scene to look at. Even after desperate struggles, by the crew members, the Titanic could not be saved from sinking., The ship’s stern rose into the air and everything unsecured crashed, towards the water. While the stern rose vertically, the electrical, system finally gave way causing the lights to go out one after, the other. After a few moments of hesitation the gigantic ship, which was believed to be unsinkable finally sank into the deep, cold icy water. With it sank the people who clung right to the end,, having too perfect a trust in that mighty vessel. The shrieks and, cries of these tortured souls which were more upsetting than the, cries of the sea vultures could be heard by the people on the, life-boats and the swimmers. The pangs of these cries are etched, eternally in the minds of the survivors. The ship that was labeled, ‘unsinkable’ before her disastrous maiden voyage finally met a, watery grave.
