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Gertrude's survival could be attributed to the actions of the ones near her who helped in ensuring her survival throughout the ordeal.
"The Johnstown Flood" by David McCullough is about the 1889 flood that ravaged Johnstown after the South Fork dam burst. The plot mainly focuses on the character of Gertrude, washed away from her family, and how she survived.
- David McCullough based his story on the 1889 floods that occurred in Pennsylvania.
- This flood, which ravaged the town of Johnstown, would be the backdrop for the dilemma of Gertrude and others.
- Gertrude had been reprimanded by her father, James Quinn for venturing out of the house like he had ordered her to.
- But when the waters rose, her father took them and ran to the hills.
- Unknown to him, Gertrude, carried by Libby Hipp had followed her Aunt Abbie had turned back despite Mr. Quinn's orders.
- This was what separated them and after the house collapsed, Gertrude has swept away in the growing waters.
- Along the way, she was helped by other people who took her into their care and eventually took her to stay with the Metz family on the hill.
- One evidence of how she was saved by the efforts of others can be seen in the line<em> "she was picked up and carried to the hill, so bundled up in the warm blanket".</em>
Gertrude's miraculous survival, after her aunt and the baby and several others, perished during the flood, would be best attributed to the efforts and help from others as they tried their best to ensure the girl stayed alive and is well saved. Even though her survival may have been in part sheer luck, or even her own desire to hold on to dear life, most of it can be credited to the help of others.
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