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.