The Explorer’s Daughter

By
Kari Herbert
About the author:
Kari Herbert (born 17th September 1970) is a British travel
writer, polar explorer, photographer, and television presenter.
As the eldest daughter of the polar explorer Sir Wally Herbert,
Kari Herbert lived on a remote island in the Arctic with the Polar
Inuit of Northwest Greenland for the first few years of her life.
This no doubt has influenced her writing and how she identifies
herself; the very title of this piece is a clear homage to her
father and his influence
Purpose:
The purpose of this piece is to inform and describe the
rationale behind whale hunting, as well as conveying
the author’s own opinion. Herbert often switches
between descriptive and informative language and the
piece shows her conflicting feelings between her love
of the narwhals and the need for survival of the
hunters.
The Explorer’s Daughter overview
The Explorer’s Daughter by Kari Herbert is an account of
Herbert’s return to a region of the Arctic, near Thule in North
Greenland, where she lived with her family as a small child
among the Inughuit people. In this passage, she describes her
experience of watching a narwhal hunt. Herbert is a British
travel writer, photographer, polar explorer and television
presenter.
The Explorer’s Daughter summary
The description begins in medias res (in the middle of the action), with two
pods of narwhal returning to a fjord and hunters scattered in kayaks under the
evening light. The writer then provides information about the narwhal and their
significance to the people of the High Arctic, before returning to observe the
hunt itself. Herbert expresses her mixed feelings throughout the piece,
acknowledging how vital it is for the people to catch a narwhal for their survival,
while also wishing for the narwhal to escape and survive. The passage ends with
this dilemma, as Herbert raises both moral and environmental questions about
hunting for survival.
Themes, Ideas, and Perspectives in The Explorer’s
Daughter
Slide 1: Introduction
•This section explores how Kari Herbert presents her
ideas and perspectives in The Explorer’s Daughter.
•Key themes analyzed include Humanity vs. Nature
and Cultural Differences.
•These themes are examined in relation to the
Inughuit way of life and Herbert's emotional conflict.
1.Humanity vs. Nature
•Herbert’s Dilemma: Torn between understanding the Inughuit people and
empathy for the narwhal.
• Quote: “This dilemma stayed with me the whole time that I was in
Greenland.”
•Focus on Description and Emotion: The passage not only focuses on building
tension, but also reflects Herbert’s emotional conflict.
• Quote: “My heart also urged the narwhal to dive, to leave, to survive.”
•Respect for Nature: Herbert admires the narwhals for their intelligence and
importance to the ecosystem.
• Quote: “The narwhal…are intelligent creatures.”
2.Cultural Differences
The theme of cultural difference in this context highlights Herbert's
understanding of the Inughuit people's way of life, which contrasts with
outsiders' perceptions. It emphasizes the necessity of survival in the Arctic,
where hunting is a vital practice misunderstood by external cultures.
•Herbert’s Understanding: Having lived with the Inughuit people, she
comprehends the challenges of life in the Arctic.
• Quote: “I understand the harshness of life in the Arctic.”
•Perception of Arctic Life: Outsiders may see this lifestyle as barbaric, but
Herbert recognizes its necessity.
• Quote: “One cannot afford to be sentimental in the Arctic.”
• Misrepresentation: Media portrayals of animal hunting often create a
negative perception of Arctic hunting cultures.
•Inughuit Justification: The Inughuit people hunt for survival, not sport, using
every part of the animal.
• Quote: “They use every part of the animals they kill.”
The Difficulty and Desperation of Arctic Life
•The women's anxiety while watching their husbands hunt reflects
the importance of success in hunting.
• Quote: “It was crucial to her that her husband catch a
narwhal.”
•Hunting is dangerous, and success is often a matter of luck.
• Quote: Hunters are described as “lucky” if they land a catch.
•The remoteness of the area means the people rely heavily on
hunting for survival.
• Quote: “Only one annual supply ship” and “hunting is an
absolute necessity in Thule.”
 How does Herbert present her ideas and perspectives?

1. In Medias Res
Key Point: Herbert begins her passage in the middle of the hunt, immediately
thrusting the reader into the action.
Evidence: The passage opens with “Two hours after…,"
Explanation: By starting in medias res, Herbert emphasizes the immediacy and
tension of the moment, positioning the reader alongside the hunters. This
structural choice mirrors the Inughuit people's sense of urgency in their survival,
as there is no gradual build-up. The reader is thrown into the stark reality of the
hunt, reinforcing one of the central themes: survival
2.Imagery
Key Point: Herbert employs vivid imagery to highlight the beauty and awe-inspiring
nature of the Arctic environment while juxtaposing it against the smallness of the
hunters.
Evidence: She describes the narwhal as “catching the light in a spectral play of colour”
This phrase refers to the way the narwhal reflects and interacts with light,
creating a rainbow-like or multicolored effect. The word "spectral" suggests a display of
colors similar to those seen in a rainbow. This vivid imagery evokes a magical visual
scene, highlighting the beauty of the narwhal as it moves through the water.
Explanation: This use of imagery highlights the conflicting emotions Herbert
experiences—admiration for the beauty of the narwhal and the environment, and
awareness of the harsh necessity of the hunt. The beauty contrasts with the danger of
the situation, reinforcing the theme of the delicate balance between humanity and
nature..
3.Simile
Herbert conveys the vulnerability of the hunters in the vastness of
the natural world. Evidence: She describes the hunters’ movements
as “a vast, waterborne game,” emphasizing their smallness in
comparison to the surrounding. The word “game” suggests that, like
in any game, there are winners and losers. This comparison mirrors
the unpredictability of survival in the Arctic and reflects humans’
vulnerability when confronting the power of nature.
4.Metaphors
The writer employs metaphors to vividly illustrate the writer's sense of wonder
and deep appreciation for the natural world. This reflects her deep emotional
response to the beauty of her surroundings.
Evidence
The metaphor of a “glittering kingdom” paints a majestic picture of the
landscape. Similarly, the comparison of the evening light to “butter-gold”
highlights its rich, warm glow.
This evocative imagery elicits a profound emotional response, allowing the
reader to connect with the writer's awe and to share in the appreciation of
nature’s fleeting beauty.
5.Declarative Sentences
In The Explorer’s Daughter, the declarative sentence “Hunting is still an
absolute necessity in Thule” serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of
the Inughuit people’s existence and the critical role that hunting plays in their
survival. This statement encapsulates the harsh realities faced by the Inughuit,
highlighting the dependence of their community on traditional hunting
practices. By presenting hunting as an “absolute necessity,” the writer
underscores the dire( serious) circumstances that define their way of life. This
theme of survival amid precarious conditions reflects the broader struggle of
indigenous peoples to maintain their cultural practices in the face of modern
challenges.
6.Long Paragraphs
The use of long, informative, and descriptive paragraphs. Through
elaborate descriptions, Herbert illustrates the arduous (difficult)
nature of hunting, emphasizing the physical and emotional
investment of both hunters and their families. This narrative style
allows readers to understand the interdependence of the Inughuit
people and the narwhals, to appreciate the lengthy preparations,
and the accompanying anxieties experienced by the wives as they
wait for their loved ones. Such detailed reinforces the aspect of
resilience within the community, showcasing how each member plays
a vital role in the survival of their way of life.
Impact of Short Sentence
The short sentence “The hunters were all dotted around the
fjord.” creates a striking impact regarding the hunters' pristine
(unspoilt)environment.
The phrase “dotted around” conveys a visual image of the
hunters scattered across the fjord. This imagery emphasizes
their smallness and isolation in the vast Arctic landscape,
reinforcing the idea that they are part of a larger, majestic
environment. The short structure contributes to a feeling of
calmness and stillness, reflecting the serene yet harsh setting of
the Arctic. It contrasts with the tension of the hunting activity,
highlighting the patience required in their efforts.
7.Facts, Information, and Specialized Language
Herbert provides factual information about the narwhal, highlighting its
status as an “essential contributor to the survival of the hunters.” This
incorporation of facts not only informs the reader but also reinforces the
significance of the narwhal within the Inughuit culture. The use of
specialized language example “ scurvy” related to hunting of the narwhals
reflects Herbert’s first-hand experience, enhancing her credibility as a
narrator. This connection to the subject matter allows her to present a
perspective on the interdependence between the Inughuit people and the
natural world.
8.Emotive Language
In the paragraph dedicated to the “women,” Herbert employs
emotive language to convey the tension and anxiety experienced as
they “cluster” and “focus” on a husband or family member during
the hunt. The verbs “gasp” and “jump” highlight the dangerous
nature of the hunting process, underscoring both the risks involved
and the high stakes of success. This emotional portrayal not only
evokes sympathy for the women but also reinforces the communal
aspect of hunting, where each family member’s well-being is
intertwined with the success of the hunt.
Semantic Field of Violence
Key Point: The semantic field of weapons, illustrated by
words like “rifle” and “harpoon,” emphasizes the
dangerous nature of the hunt.
Explanation: This language choice reinforces violence in
the act of hunting, portraying it as a necessary yet
perilous( dangerous) endeavor. It underscores the reality
that survival often requires confronting danger and risk,
creating a stark depiction of life in Thule.
Repetition of Intensifier “so”
Key Point: The repetition of the intensifier “so” reinforces the
heroic nature of the hunters' task. ( paragraph 5 and 6)
Explanation: This emphasis conveys the magnitude of their
efforts in the face of adversity, depicting bravery and resilience
of the hunters. The hunters are portrayed as courageous
figures battling against overwhelming odds, adding to the
narrative's dramatic tension.
“One harpoon”
Key Point: The mention of “one harpoon” signifies the lack of
advanced hunting tools.
Explanation: This detail emphasizes the simplicity of their
equipment. This suggests their reliance on basic tools which
connects the hunters to their cultural heritage while
underscoring the risks involved highlighting the challenges
faced by the Inughuit in their hunting practices
Tripling for Vulnerability
Key Point: The tripling in “and yet…to dive, to live, to
survive” emphasizes the vulnerability of the hunters.
Explanation: This structure contrasts the
precariousness of the hunters' situation with the
narwhals, depicted as defenseless. It underscores the
sacrifice and the risks involved in hunting, reflecting
the lengths to which the Inughuit go to provide for
their families.
Rhetorical Question
Key Point: The rhetorical question, “how can you possibly eat
seal?” emphasizes the writer's understanding of opposing
views on hunting.
Explanation: This technique invites readers to reflect on their
own beliefs and judgments about hunting practices. This
diverse perspectives is essential in grappling with issues
surrounding survival and cultural practices.
Blunt Reality in Conclusion
Key Point: The memoir concludes with the declarative
sentence “Hunting is still an absolute necessity in Thule.”
Explanation: This statement presents a stark reality about
life in the Arctic, emphasizing that hunting is a critical means
of survival rather than a romanticized activity. It reinforces
the overarching theme of necessity versus luxury, illustrating
the harsh conditions that dictate the lives of the Inughuit
people.