explorers or boys messing about Flashcards
P1
In his portrayal of the two men, the writer uses language and structure to convey his disapproval and skepticism towards their actions.
The use of a quotation from Jo Vestey as part of the headline immediately sets a negative tone, as the noun ‘boys’ and the verb ‘messing about’ carry childish connotations, undermining the seriousness of their endeavors.
The structure of the headline, along with the comment that ‘Either way, taxpayer gets rescue bill,’ further emphasizes the writer’s disapproval, indicating that Morris does not see them as true explorers regardless of how they are perceived.
The writer also employs a semantic field of theater, using words such as ‘farce’ and ‘drama’ to suggest that the men’s actions were akin to a comedy or show put on for attention.
However, the phrase ‘almost led to tragedy’ reveals the gravity of the situation, indicating that the writer sees their actions as foolish and reckless.
The reference to their previous expedition, where the Russians threatened to intercept them with military planes, highlights the potential serious consequences of their actions, further supporting the writer’s negative portrayal of the men.
P2
Additionally, the writer uses language to imply that the men lack strength and substance. The verb ‘plucked’ suggests that they are feeble and insubstantial, further undermining their credibility.
The extensive list of rescue efforts required, including the Royal Navy, the RAF, and British coastguards, with two of them being part of the British Armed Forces, highlights the severity of the situation and reinforces the writer’s disapproval.
The fact that ‘resentment’ is expressed at the cost to taxpayers suggests further negative sentiment from the writer, though he remains vague about whom he is referring to as ‘in some quarters.’
The writer also casts doubt on the men’s purpose and judgment.
He mentions confusion about their intentions, and the use of inverted commas in the phrase ‘trusty helicopter’ from their website implies sarcasm or doubt.
The inclusion of the men’s ages and Mr. Smith’s nickname ‘Q’ invokes links to a fictional character, suggesting that the men are acting out roles or have an inflated sense of self-importance.
Jo Vestey’s remark that her husband asked her to ‘call the emergency people’ further portrays him as an amateur lacking in knowledge or experience.
The reference to Steve Brooks’ ‘Breitling emergency watch’ could be interpreted as either wealth or foolishness, adding to the writer’s negative portrayal of the men.
P3
The writer also uses contrast to highlight his disapproval.
He contrasts the Royal Navy’s genuine mission of ‘surveying uncharted waters’ with the confusion about the men’s objectives, suggesting that the writer views their actions as inferior and lacking purpose.
The description of the previous adventures of the two men, despite the potential admiration from some people, is devoid of any positive sentiment from the writer.
The dismissive comment that ‘ironically, one of the aims of the expedition…was to demonstrate how good relations between east and west had become’ further underscores the men’s failure in the writer’s eyes.
Furthermore, the writer includes expert opinions to imply poor judgment and lack of expertise on the part of the men.
Günter Endres’ statement that ‘I wouldn’t use a helicopter like that to go so far over the sea’ suggests that the men made unwise decisions.
The inclusion of a statement from ‘a spokesman for the pair’ that the conditions for flying were ‘excellent’ insinuates potential fault on their part.
The passage ends with Jo Vestey’s remark that the men will ‘probably have their bottoms kicked and be sent home the long way,’ leaving a lasting impression of them as foolish and immature in the eyes of the writer.
