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.