The End of the Journey

Part Seven, Chapter Four: The End of the Journey

Term: epiphany

After finally reaching South Georgia, Shackleton was able to contact a rescue team for the men back on Elephant Island. Thoralf Sorlle, a factory manager in South Georgia, helped Shackleton and his men with the rescue. However, the atmosphere back on Elephant Island was frustrating. The men were beginning to give up all hope of a rescue team finding them. Many of them thought that Shackleton and the other five men had been stopped short of South Georgia. The twenty-two castaways sat in anticipation for far too long. Each day would bring more and more disappointment after no signs of rescue were visible. Then, on August 30, their prayers were answered. At about 12:45, every man except for Marston went to eat. Marston had gone to the lookout bluff. "A few minutes later they heard his footsteps running along the path, but nobody paid much attention. He was simply late for lunch. Then he put his head inside and spoke to Wild in a tone so breathless that some of the men thought he sounded casual. 'Hadn't we better send up some smoke signals?' he asked. For a moment there was silence, and then, as one man, they grasped what Marston was saying" (Lansing 279). This quote explains the epiphany of the men as they realized that the rescue team had finally arrived. They were shocked and hardly believed Marston in the beginning. The quote proves the amazing amount of time that the men were stranded. It helps to show how much rescue tactics have developed over the years. The men had been waiting so long that they had almost forgotten about being saved. Today, people have developed faster and safer methods of rescuing those in need.  

South Georgia

Part Six, Chapters Five and Six: South Georgia

Term: theme

After many strenuous days, Shackleton and his small crew were finally getting close to western tip of South Georgia. At last, Shackleton and his men had reached the land that they set out from 522 days ago. The men's drive to survive was absolutely astonishing. "But sufficiently provoked, there is hardly a creature on God's earth that ultimately won't turn and attempt to fight, regardless of the odds. In an unspoken sense, that was much the way they felt now. They were possessed by an angry determination to see the journey through--no matter what. They felt that they had earned it" (Lansing 239). This quote explains the overall theme of Endurance. The determination and the survival of these men was amazing. They battled constantly for 522 reckless days to stay alive. They never lost sight of their overall goal, and they continued on until they had achieved it. This astonishing tale of survival is a true inspiration to me. It motivates me to put all my effort forward every day. During times of struggle, I must push forward and conquer my fears. From reading this incredible tale, I have learned that true determination and drive will lead me to great things in my future.

Separating and Searching for Relief

Part Five, Chapters 1-6: Searching for Relief

Term: synecdoche



After finally reaching Elephant Island, the men struggled to simply make it up the beach to safety. Their bodies were aching, and they had endured great pain and suffering. Unfortunately, Shackleton realized that this land was inhospitable, and he declared that they would have to move to another island about seven miles along the coast to the west. After yet another difficult journey, the three ships were finally in position to reach the new land. However, getting all three ships on land would require the help of every single crew member. "All hands were mustered to launch her" (Lansing 193). This quote describes the work of the crew members as they collectively launched the James Caird on land. The synecdoche "all" in this quote truly shows the hard work each and every man puts forward in order to reach their ultimate goal. The synecdoche "all" represents the entire crew. This quote shows me that I may sometimes have to work together with others to accomplish a particular task. Although I may not get along with some people, there may be a time when I have to work with them in a civil manner in order to achieve a goal. It inspires me to be more patient and open when I am working others in a group. 

After getting the ships on land, Shackleton ordered that he would take a few other crew members with him in search for relief help. The other remaining men would stay on the island and wait for help. Shortly after addressing the crew, Shackleton and five other men set sail on board the Caird. The men were headed to South Georgia, which had a small island with the closest relief help. As the days went by, the men back at the camp were anxiously awaiting any signs of relief. At the end of chapter six, the men on the island began wondering whether or not the others had made it to South Georgia. After several months, many men began to believe that relief was never going to come for them.  

Reaching Elephant Island

Part Four, Chapters 2-5: Reaching Elephant Island

Term: round character



The remaining chapters of part four begin with the crew only about thirty to forty miles away from Elephant Island. The three ships struggled to stay in a close distance of each other during the long journey. They continually sailed west, while the easterly winds carried them along. At first, they had been going in the opposite direction, and the boats became covered with ice. Times had never been worse for the crew. The three boats split up momentarily, but luckily met back up again. Throughout the next few days, all men worked extremely hard on board the ships. They were all on the brink of exhaustion, and they pushed forward through all the treacherous nights. One man in particular, Frank Worsley, worked very hard for the crew's respect. "They had been in the boats now for five and a half days, and during that time almost everyone had come to look upon Worsley in a new light. In the past he had been thought of as excitable and wild--even irresponsible. But all that was changed now. During these past days he had exhibited an almost phenomenal ability, both as a navigator and in the demanding skill of handling a small boat. There wasn't another man in the party even comparable with him, and he had assumed an entirely new stature because of it" (Lansing 169). This quote explains how Worsley has gained respect and honor of his fellow crew members by simply working hard and displaying his true skills. This quote encourages me to continue to work hard each day to ensure a good life in the future. This quote has taught me that working hard and showing respect to others will earn me more respect from those around me.

The Search For Land

Part Three, Chapters 2-6: The Search For Land

Term: irony



These remaining chapters in part three describe the crew's agonizing struggles in search for a suitable place to land their three ships. The names of their three smaller ships were the Dudley Docker, the James Caird, and the Stancomb Wills. Each of these ships had its own limitations, creating even more pain and struggle for the men. Additionally, the ships were battling mighty gales from every direction. These gales pushed them away from their destination many times. At first, the crew headed out for Paulet Island, but the violent gales pushed them off of their path. They were then forced to move their goal to either Clarence Island or Elephant Island. To make matters worse, the shortage of food was once again a major problem. Finally, the dogs had to be shot for more food. After the dogs were skinned and gutted, they were quickly cooked for a meal. Although they were saddened by the loss of their useful dogs, the men anxiously awaited their first hot lunch in more than two weeks. "The meat of the dogs was universally acclaimed. 'Their flesh tastes a treat,' McNeish remarked. 'It is a big treat to us after being so long on seal meat.' James found it 'surprisingly good and tasty.' Worsley said that the piece of Grus he ate 'has a better flavor than the sea leopard.' And Hurley went so far as to say it was 'exquisitely tender and flavorous, especially Nelson, which equalled veal'" (Lansing 130). These quotes by the men provide much irony. The men all know that eating dog is no treat, and they would all prefer a nicely cooked steak or roast. However, they use these humorous ways of describing the flavor to keep their spirits somewhat high. The men are thankful that they have the opportunity to eat something other than seal and blubber, and they never complain about the food they are given. I find it very amazing that these men remain thankful and humorous during some of their hardest times. These quotes inspire me to express how thankful I am for all that I have more often.

Trouble Settling Down

Part Three, Chapter One: Trouble Settling Down

Term: anecdote



The crew has just settled into their new camp. Frank Worsley named this place "Mark Time Camp."  This chapter begins on New Year's Day, and the men are making a sincere effort to be cheerful. Although they kept their spirits high, many problems were evident around camp. The amount of food was far from reassuring, and the temperature remained just about at the freezing point. Luckily, a very large sea leopard sprang out of the water and chased one of the crew members. The animal was in heavy pursuit just as Frank Wild pulled out his rifle and fired at the beast. At last, the crew caught a break and had captured a beast weighing in at about 1,100 pounds. Frank Worsley briefly discussed his view on the frightening incident in his diary when he said, "A man on foot in soft, deep snow and unarmed would not have a chance against such an animal as they almost bound along with a rearing, undulating motion at least five miles an hour. They attack without provocation, looking on man as a penguin or seal" (Lansing 103).


Hunting parties continued the next day, the men's confidence was on the rise. Tragically, the food supply was still an issue, and the sled dogs were days away from being shot for food. This chapter ends with Shackleton ordering his men to move to yet another camp named "Patience Camp." Frank Worsley's anecdote regarding the alarming incident with the sea leopard shows just how exposed these men are to the dangers of the sea. This quote further explains the perilous encounters that these men face during their long journey across the Antarctic continent. Throughout history, these dangerous incidents have become more and more threatening. However, ship leaders and developers have created better methods of defense against the many dangers of the vast sea.

Moving West

Part Two, Chapter Six: Moving West

Term: concrete details



The crew has been drifting on a floe of ice for awhile, anxiously awaiting their sight of land. This chapter begins with an inspection team heading out early in the morning to the west. Shackleton informs the crew that they will proceed westward toward land. After losing the Endurance, Shackleton and his crew were forced to resort to their three smaller ships. Later that night, Shackleton handed a note to Frank Worsley, instructing him to take the note back to Ocean Camp. "In the essence the note said that the Endurance had been crushed and abandoned at 69°5' South, 51°35' West, and that the members of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition were then at 67°9' South, 52°25' West, and proceeding to the west across the ice in the hope of reaching land" (Lansing 91). This note explained what had happened to Shackleton and his men in 1915 to those who might come over. Part two comes to an end after Shackleton and his men celebrate Christmas with a huge feast and anxiously wait for the beginning of a new year. Shackleton's use of concrete details in his note help to give those who may come after him a precise explanation as to where his crew was headed. Throughout history, leaders of many expeditions have left either notes or signs behind for explorers to find in the future. These signs and symbols from many decades ago continue to serve as helpful clues for those who discover them today.        

Setting Up Camp

Part Two, Chapter One: Setting Up Camp 

Term: inference

Part two begins with the men abandoning the Endurance. The men quickly began creating a somewhat reasonable campsite on a huge floe of ice. Once morning arrived, and the men had gotten a few hours of needed sleep, they traveled back to the Endurance to retrieve their supplies. However, they could not take all of their supplies with them. "Shackleton called all hands together into the center of the circle of tents. His face was grave. He explained it was imperative that all weight be reduced to the barest minimum" (Lansing 64). He explained that each man could only take clothes, a sleeping bag, tobacco, and a small amount of personal gear. From past experiences, Shackleton knew the possible dangers of too much supplies. "From studying the outcome of past expeditions, he believed that those that burdened themselves with equipment to meet every contingency had fared much worse than those that had sacrificed total preparedness for speed" (Lansing 65). These two quotes show how Shackleton used his recollection of past expeditions to help ensure his crew's safety. These quotes help one recognize just how much knowledge and experience it took to be a successful leader in the early 1900s. These early travelers developed insightful ways of navigation that now serve as the basis for many explorers today. Expedition leaders continue to follow these helpful techniques of travel during their own journeys.  

Increasing Frustration

Part One, Chapter Seven: Increasing Frustration

Term: exclamatory sentence

Chapter seven of Endurance discusses the crew's struggle to recover after a three-day attack on the ship. The attack left the men tired and on edge. They tried their best to maintain a positive outlook on things, but the pressure and frustration was getting to them. While the Endurance was trapped in a huge drift of ice, the men could only wait in helpless, frustrating uncertainty. Frank Worsley, another captain alongside Shackleton, made his frustration known in his diary when he said, "No animal life observed-no land- no nothing!!!" (Lansing 53). The crew members had not eaten any fresh meat for five months. They were desperately searching for any signs of seals or any other sea animals. Throughout this chapter, the Endurance survived yet another attack from the sea, and the ship was able to break free from the surrounding pack of ice. The spirits of the men rose slightly, but they knew that more pressure was on its way. Frank Worsley's exclamatory remark in his diary expresses the true feelings of dissatisfaction and setback not only in himself, but also in every other member on board the Endurance.When reading this chapter, I remind myself not to get too frustrated and discouraged during times of hardship and struggle. It is acceptable to display emotions of anger and stress, but I must never let my emotions get the best of me. This chapter reminds me that I must always try my best to remain calm and collective during even the hardest times that I am faced with throughout life's journey.

A Confident Crew

Part One, Chapter Six: A Confident Crew

Term: parable

This upbeat chapter discusses the positive thoughts and attitudes of the men on board the Endurance. The ship's crew members were waiting anxiously for the arrival of spring. The long winter was ending, and the return of the warmth and the sun was slowly beginning. The men on board knew that the Endurance would finally break out of its icy prison. The men's extremely high spirits and confidence worried Shackleton. One night he sat down with his crew to address his concern. "Shackleton said there once was a mouse who lived in a tavern. One night the mouse found a leaky barrel of beer, and drank all he could hold. When the mouse had finished, he sat up, twirled his whiskers, and looked around arrogantly. 'Now then,' he said, 'where's that damned cat?'" (Lansing 50). The purpose of Shackleton's parable was to warn his men not to become too confident or too comfortable. He knew that their good luck could all change in a matter of seconds. He was trying to tell his crew not to become too accustomed to the fortunate circumstances they were facing. When reading this chapter, I think about how I have been overly confident or cocky in the past. Shackleton's parable helps me remember that I must always stay humble and true to who I am, regardless of any advantages I may have. This parable reminds me to be thankful for all my blessings and skills, instead of using them as ways to make myself look superior to someone else.  

A Motivated Leader

Part One, Chapter Two: A Motivated Leader

Term: motivation

This next chapter of Endurance discusses the main goal of Ernest Shackleton and his crew and  reveals information about how their expedition began. Shackleton and his crew were part of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. The goal of this expedition was to cross the Antarctic continent overland from west to east. At the time, many explorers attempted the same quest, but none of them were successful. This was already Shackleton's third expedition to the Antarctic. He was a member of two other expeditions in 1901 and 1907. Shackleton's two failed expeditions only motivated him  to reach his goal on his third attempt. The thought of being so close to achieving something that had never been done before irritated Ernest. "He had been within 97 miles of the Pole, and he knew better than anyone that it was only a matter of time until some expedition attained the goal that had been denied him" (Lansing 10). Shackleton motivation was driven by the thought of being the first one to lead an expedition across the Antarctic continent. He was determined to push forward and complete the vigorous task that had been so hard to conquer. Almost immediately after his last failed attempt in 1907, he began working hard trying to solicit funds for his third expedition. Although some criticized the expedition, Shackleton was motivated and determined to pursue and fulfill his dream. After reading this chapter, I realized that life is too short to sit around and think about what could have been. I learned that one must always strive to make his or her dreams a reality.  This chapter reassures me that all of my hard work and determination will eventually pay off in the near future.