# I explained — A Negro Explorer at the North Pole > Chapter companion for A Negro Explorer at the North Pole by Matthew Henson. ## What happens Matthew Henson recounts his early life, from his birth in Maryland in 1866 to his education in Washington, D.C., and his early career as a seaman. He describes meeting Commander Peary in 1888 and beginning a long association as his assistant, accompanying him on expeditions to Nicaragua and the Arctic. Henson provides an overview of his Arctic experiences, including the 1891 North Greenland Expedition, the harrowing 1895 icecap crossing, the recovery of meteorites, and the persistent efforts leading to the discovery of the North Pole in 1909. He also reflects on his deep connection with the Eskimo people and the tragic losses of fellow explorers. ## Themes in this chapter ### Perseverance and Endurance Henson describes the harrowing 450-mile icecap crossing in 1895, the loss of dogs and supplies, and the constant struggle for survival, highlighting the theme of endurance against extreme odds. ### Loyalty and Companionship Henson's long-term loyalty to Peary, his adoption of Kudlooktoo, and his deep bonds with the Eskimo people underscore the theme of loyalty and companionship. ### Cultural Exchange and Imperialism Henson describes living as an Eskimo, learning their language, and adopting their ways, while also bringing Western customs (e.g., washing and clothing Kudlooktoo). The presence of explorers and the removal of meteorites reflect imperialist dynamics. ### Exploration and Discovery The chapter details multiple Arctic expeditions, the crossing of North Greenland, the recovery of meteorites, and the ultimate discovery of the North Pole. ## Character check-ins ### Matthew Henson Narrator and author; born in Charles County, Maryland, August 8, 1866; attended N Street School in Washington, D.C.; shipped as cabin-boy and became able-bodied seaman; met Commander Peary in 1888 and served as his body-servant and assistant on multiple Arctic expeditions. ### Commander Robert E. Peary Civil engineer in the U.S. Navy; Henson's employer and leader of Arctic expeditions; broke his leg on the 1891 North Greenland Expedition; froze his feet in January 1899 losing all but one toe; known for persistency and fortitude. ### Dr. Frederick A. Cook Member of the 1891 North Greenland Expedition, from Brooklyn, NY. ### Professor Ross G. Marvin Of Cornell University; lost his life by drowning in the Arctic Ocean on his return from farthest north; Henson respects and venerates his memory. ### Kudlooktoo Orphan Eskimo boy adopted by Henson during the 1893 expedition; his mother had died just before arrival at Red Cliffs; learned to speak English and slept under Henson's bunk. ### Hugh J. Lee Marched with Henson and Peary across the icecap of North Greenland in 1895; remained with Peary and Henson when the rest of the 1893 expedition returned to the U.S. ### Josephine Diebitsch Peary Accompanied her husband on the 1891 and 1893 expeditions; took daughter Marie Ahnighito Peary and young Eskimo girl 'Miss Bill' back to the U.S. ### Rudolph Franke Mentioned in the context of the expedition; rescued at Etah. ## Key lines > When the news of the discovery of the North Pole, by Commander Peary, was first sent to the world, a distinguished citizen of New York City, well versed in the affairs of the Peary Arctic Club, made the statement, that he was sure that Matt Henson had been with Commander Peary on the day of the discovery. Upon the announcement of the North Pole discovery, a prominent New Yorker familiar with the Peary Arctic Club confidently asserted that Matt Henson was present with Peary at the Pole. _Henson introduces the public's initial lack of awareness about his role and the insider knowledge that he was Peary's constant companion._ > I was born in Charles County, Maryland, August 8, 1866. The place of my birth was on the Potomac River, about forty-four miles below Washington, DC. Slavery days were over forever when I was born. Besides, my parents were both free born before me, and in my mother's veins ran some white blood. Henson was born on August 8, 1866, in Charles County, Maryland, along the Potomac River. He emphasizes that slavery had ended and that his parents were free, with his mother having some white ancestry. _Henson establishes his birth and heritage, noting the post-slavery context and his mixed racial background._ > It was while I was in Washington, DC, in 1888, that I first attracted the attention of Commander Peary, who at that time was a civil engineer in the United States Navy, with the rank of lieutenant, and it was with the instinct of my race that I recognized in him the qualities that made me willing to engage myself in his service. In 1888 in Washington, D.C., Henson caught the notice of Lieutenant Peary, a civil engineer in the Navy, and Henson's intuition led him to willingly enter Peary's service. _Henson describes the beginning of his long association with Peary, attributing his decision to an instinctive recognition of Peary's qualities._ > For weeks and weeks, across the seemingly never-ending wastes of the icecap of North Greenland, I marched with Peary and Lee from Independence Bay and the land beyond back to Anniversary Lodge. Henson, Peary, and Lee trekked for weeks across the vast icecap of North Greenland, returning from Independence Bay to Anniversary Lodge. _Henson recounts the grueling 1895 icecap crossing, emphasizing the endless expanse and the physical toll._ > Many and many a time, for periods covering more than twelve months, I have been to all intents an Eskimo, with Eskimos for companions, speaking their language, dressing in the same kind of clothes, living in the same kind of dens, eating the same food, enjoying their pleasures, and frequently sharing their griefs. For extended periods over a year, Henson lived entirely as an Eskimo, adopting their language, clothing, shelter, diet, and customs, and sharing in their joys and sorrows. _Henson describes his deep immersion in Eskimo culture, highlighting his integration and affection for the people._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/i - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters