The Adventures of Captain Hatteras · Chapter
Footprints on the Snow explained
The expedition encounters unmistakable signs of other Europeans ahead of them near the Pole, including a European shoe print and a telescope lens, causing frustration and anger in Hatteras.
What happens
The expedition encounters unmistakable signs of other Europeans ahead of them near the Pole, including a European shoe print and a telescope lens, causing frustration and anger in Hatteras. A violent hurricane reshapes the landscape, revealing the open polar sea, and the group reaches Altamont Harbor, where they prepare to launch their boat. Dense fog slows their progress, and the discovery of the footprints heightens tensions as they push northward.
Themes in this chapter
Exploration and Discovery
The chapter focuses on the expedition's relentless push toward the Pole, the discovery of the open polar sea, and the unsettling evidence of other explorers ahead.
National Rivalry and Patriotism
Hatteras's anger at finding European footprints underscores the competitive nationalistic drive to be the first to reach the Pole.
The Sublime and Dangerous Nature
The violent hurricane, shifting ice, and treacherous fog highlight the sublime and perilous Arctic landscape that the characters must endure.
Characters to notice
- John Hatteras
Filled with wrath at the prospect of rivals ahead; orders the party forward despite the troubling signs.
- Dr. Clawbonny
Philosophical yet vexed by the evidence of other Europeans; examines the footprints and telescope lens, and later takes observations to determine the harbor's position.
- Altamont
Annoyed by the discovery of tracks; points out the European shoe print and is involved in the decision-making.
- Johnson
Expresses concern about finding the 'place taken'; helps secure the tent during the storm and later comments on the fog.
- Bell
Loses his snowshoes on a rock; serves as a guide ahead with Altamont and is startled by the footprints.
Key passages
“doubt that there is a stranger here—” “Forward!” cried Hatteras. He uttered this word so sharply that each one obeyed, and the sledge resumed its monotonous progress.”
Hatteras, enraged by the evidence of another European, commands the party to move on, and they reluctantly continue their journey.
Highlights Hatteras's obsessive determination and the tension among the crew.
“The doctor, although not as angry as Hatteras, was somewhat vexed, in spite of his usual philosophy.”
Even the normally calm doctor is disturbed by the discovery of the footprints.
Shows the doctor's rare moment of frustration.
““We must confess,” said Johnson, without being heard by Altamont, “that if we find the place taken, it would disgust us with journeying to the Pole.””
Johnson quietly admits that reaching the Pole only to find it already claimed would be deeply discouraging.
Reveals the crew's fear of being beaten to their goal.
““The sea! the sea!” they all shouted. “And the open sea!” cried the captain.”
The group exclaims joyfully upon sighting the open polar sea, a crucial milestone.
Marks a turning point in the expedition's progress.