An Antarctic Mystery · Chapter
And Pym? explained
Hunt unexpectedly speaks, claiming that Arthur Gordon Pym is still alive and stranded in the Antarctic.
What happens
Hunt unexpectedly speaks, claiming that Arthur Gordon Pym is still alive and stranded in the Antarctic. He reveals that he knew Dirk Peters, who gave him Pym's journal and told him how they were separated by an ice block. Captain Len Guy and the crew debate whether to continue south to search for Pym and William Guy. Jeorling offers a reward of two thousand dollars per degree beyond the 84th parallel to persuade the crew, and most agree, though Hearne and some recruits resist.
Themes in this chapter
Truth vs. Fiction
Hunt challenges the accepted narrative of Pym's death, claiming Poe never met Pym and that Dirk Peters brought back the journal.
Survival and Endurance
Dirk Peters survived alone on Tsalal Island and returned to America, while Pym is believed to be stranded in the Antarctic.
Loyalty and Mutiny
The crew is divided between those loyal to Captain Len Guy and those led by Hearne who refuse to continue south.
Characters to notice
- Hunt
Speaks for the first time, claiming Arthur Pym is alive and that he knew Dirk Peters.
- Captain Len Guy
Interrogates Hunt and debates continuing the search for his brother and Pym.
- Mr. Jeorling
Interrogates Hunt and offers a monetary reward to persuade the crew to sail further south.
- James West
Observes Hunt and confronts Hearne over insubordination.
- Hearne
Leads the opposition among the new recruits, demanding a return to the Falklands.
- Hurliguerly
Supports the captain and urges not to forsake William Guy.
Key passages
“And Pym—poor Pym?”
Hunt suddenly asks about Arthur Pym, surprising everyone.
Hunt's first spoken words in the chapter, drawing attention to Pym's fate.
“No! listen to me: I know things; understand me, he is not dead.”
Hunt insists that Arthur Pym is still alive.
Hunt contradicts the accepted belief that Pym died.
“It was Pym's companion, he who loved him, his poor Pym, like a son. It was Dirk Peters, the half-breed, who came back alone from there—beyond.”
Hunt reveals that Dirk Peters returned alone with Pym's journal.
Hunt explains how Pym's journal reached Edgar Poe.
“Two thousand dollars shall be shared among you for every degree we make beyond the eighty-fourth parallel.”
Jeorling offers a reward to the crew for each degree of latitude they sail south of the 84th parallel.
Jeorling's bribe convinces most of the crew to continue the expedition.