Lecture: The Explorer's Daughter by Kerry Herbert

Context

• Purpose: Discussion on Kerry Herbert's "The Explorer’s Daughter" for English Language Paper 1.
• Questions: May appear in Question 4 (thoughts and feelings of the writer) and Question 5.
• Autobiographical Nature: Herbert writes about her personal experiences and emotions.
• Background: Herbert lived among the Inuit, providing unique insights into their world.

Descriptive Imagery

• Setting Description:
  • Narwhal spotted after hunters returned.
  • Beautiful imagery: "spectral play of color," "tranquil image."
  • Use of metaphors: "glittering kingdom," suggesting awe.
• Contrast: Romanticizes the setting despite it being a hunt scene.
  • Example: Evening light turning "butter gold."
  • Irony in romanticized calmness vs. impending hunt.

Hunter and Narwhal Relationship

• Perception of Hunters and Narwhals:
  • Placing man and whale as equals.
  • Respect for narwhals as intelligent creatures.
  • Hunters viewed as vulnerable and brave.
  • Conflict between admiration for narwhals and necessity of hunting.
• Emotional Conflict:
  • Herbert's heart leapt for both hunter and narwhal, indicating a dilemma.
  • Respect for both hunters' bravery and narwhals' intelligence.

Factual Tone and Justification

• Tone Shift:
  • From literary to factual.
  • Narwhals as essential for survival: rich in vitamins, preventing scurvy.
• Use of Narwhal:
  • Blubber for light and heat.
  • Meat for diet; tusks for tools, despite their brittleness.
• Hunting Justification:
  • Emphasizes necessity with words like "essential," "survival," "necessary."
  • Listing benefits of narwhal products.

Cultural and Economic Context

• Community Dependence:
  • Women observe the hunt, emphasizing its importance.
  • Hunting success crucial for family survival and income.
  • Senses of suspense and potential danger in hunting.
• External Perceptions:
  • Addresses Western views and environmental concerns.
  • Inuit hunting contrasted with negative images of seal hunting.

Conclusion

• Reflection on Conflict:
  • Personal conflict and understanding of necessity.
  • Assertion of hunting as an "absolute necessity" with confidence.
• Exam Preparation:
  • For Question 4, focus on thoughts and feelings.
  • Consider discussing her respect for narwhals, admiration for hunters, and underlying conflict.