A Negro Explorer at the North Pole · Chapter
VI explained
The chapter describes the unique winter at Cape Sheridan under the Peary plan, emphasizing constant activity, hunting, and preparation for the polar journey.
What happens
The chapter describes the unique winter at Cape Sheridan under the Peary plan, emphasizing constant activity, hunting, and preparation for the polar journey. Henson recounts building sledges, hunting trips, and the terrifying storms that hurl massive rocks. He also provides a detailed portrait of the Eskimo families who accompanied the expedition, noting their adaptability, the impact of civilization on their culture, and the decline of their population and traditional way of life.
Themes in this chapter
Cultural Exchange and Imperialism
Henson describes the Eskimos' adoption of tobacco from Danish missionaries and sailors, and the decline of their population due to outside influences.
Humanity vs. Nature
The chapter vividly portrays the terror of Arctic storms that hurl boulders, and the constant struggle to survive and prepare for the polar journey.
Class and Servitude
The Eskimo women and children performed chores like sledging fresh water, and the women sewed fur clothing, highlighting their labor roles within the expedition.
Characters to notice
- Matthew Henson
Narrator; built over two dozen sledges, went on two hunting trips, and observed the Eskimo families.
- Commander Robert E. Peary
Devised the plan of constant winter activity; was struck by a flying box during a storm in 1894.
- Professor Ross G. Marvin
Commenced scientific work at remote stations during the winter.
- Hugh J. Lee
Took the census of the Eskimo tribe in 1894, recording 253 individuals.
- Ootah
Mentioned as one of the Eskimo companions; Henson saw an Eskimo felled by a rock, likely referring to Ootah or another.
Key passages
“The story of the winter at Cape Sheridan is a story unique in the experience of Arctic exploration. Usually it is the rule to hibernate as much as possible during the period of darkness, and the party is confined closely to headquarters. The Peary plan is different; and constant activity and travel were insisted on.”
The winter at Cape Sheridan was unlike typical Arctic expeditions, which hibernate during darkness; Peary's plan required constant movement and work.
Henson contrasts the usual Arctic winter routine with Peary's active approach.
“I have seen rocks a hundred and a hundred and fifty pounds in weight picked up by the storm and blown for distances of ninety or a hundred feet to the edge of a precipice, and there of their own momentum go hurtling through space to fall in crashing fragments at the base.”
Storms were so powerful that they lifted 100-150 pound rocks and hurled them off cliffs.
Henson describes the terrifying force of Arctic storms.
“The best-natured people on earth, with no bad habits of their own, but a ready ability to assimilate the vices of civilization. Twenty years ago, when I first met them, not one used tobacco or craved it. Today every member of the tribe has had experience with tobacco, craves it, and will give most everything, except his gun, to get it.”
The Eskimos were naturally good-natured but quickly adopted the vice of tobacco from outsiders, now craving it above all else except their guns.
Henson reflects on the negative impact of civilization on the Eskimo tribe.
“It is my conviction that the life of this little tribe is doomed, and that extinction is nearly due. It will be caused partly by themselves, and partly by the misguided endeavors of civilized people.”
Henson believes the tribe is facing extinction due to both internal factors and harmful influences from civilized people.
Henson predicts the decline and possible extinction of the Eskimo tribe.
