Study Guide: The Explorer's Daughter - Kari Herbert

The Explorer's Daughter by Kari Herbert

A complete breakdown of "The Explorer's Daughter" by Kari Herbert for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language Part 1: Unit 1 Section A Non-fiction texts. Includes summary, themes, techniques, sample exam-style answers, and revision tips.

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Context:

Kari Herbert is the daughter of a British explorer and lived in Greenland as a child among the Inughuit people. In 2002, she returned to the area and observed a narwhal hunt. This extract combines personal reflection with factual information, offering both emotional depth and insight into the Inughuit way of life.

Summary of the Text:

Herbert describes witnessing a narwhal hunt in the Arctic. She paints the scene with a mixture of awe and tension, watching the hunters from the lookout as they prepare to strike. The narwhal are vital to the Inughuit's survival, providing food, vitamins, heat, tools, and income. Herbert admires the hunters' bravery but is also conflicted emotionally — she wants both the hunter and the narwhal to succeed. She concludes by reflecting on the realities of life in Thule, defending the necessity of hunting in such a harsh climate.

Purpose:

• To describe the setting and culture of the Inughuit people.
• To explore the moral dilemma of hunting in a modern world.
• To inform the reader about the importance of the narwhal to Arctic communities.
• To evoke emotion, empathy, and admiration for the hunters.

Audience:

General readers — likely those unfamiliar with Arctic life. The piece aims to educate and challenge assumptions, especially those critical of hunting.

Structure:

• First section: Vivid, personal account of the narwhal hunt.
• Middle: Factual exposition about narwhal and their use.
• Final section: Personal reflection and ethical consideration.

Language and Techniques:

1. Imagery – “glittering kingdom”, “butter-gold”

Creates a magical, majestic setting; highlights Herbert’s reverence for the landscape.

2. Juxtaposition – “my heart leapt for both hunter and narwhal”

Emphasises her internal conflict: admiration vs. compassion.

3. Repetition of ‘the narwhal’

Adds rhythm and reinforces the centrality of the creature to the narrative.

4. Use of statistics/factual detail – “can feed a team of dogs for a month”

Makes the reader understand how vital the narwhal is for survival.

5. Parenthesis & asides – “(although the ivory was found to be brittle…)”

Offers subtle commentary and additional background knowledge.

6. Emotive language – “foolhardy”, “respect”, “survive”

Draws the reader into Herbert’s emotional state and moral dilemma.

7. Rhetorical questions – “How can you possibly eat seal?”

Engages the reader directly; challenges simplistic views of Arctic hunting.

Tone:

• Reverent and reflective - Herbert is clearly in awe of both the landscape and the people.
• Conflicted - She is emotionally torn between admiration for the hunters and compassion for the animals.
• Respectful and informative - She does not judge but rather helps the reader understand.

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