The Adventures of Captain Hatteras · Chapter
The Approach to the Pole explained
As the launch nears the Pole, Hatteras spots what he believes to be land, possibly a volcano, but a sudden storm and a floe covered with bears threaten the crew.
What happens
As the launch nears the Pole, Hatteras spots what he believes to be land, possibly a volcano, but a sudden storm and a floe covered with bears threaten the crew. Despite the dangers, they press on, driven by obsession and the desire to reach the unknown.
Themes in this chapter
Exploration and Discovery
The crew's relentless pursuit of the Pole and the sighting of land highlight the theme of exploration.
Human Endurance and Survival
The men endure a violent storm, a floe of bears, and near-foundering, yet continue toward their goal.
Obsession and Madness
Hatteras's dream sequence and the crew's reckless drive into danger reflect an obsessive, almost mad, thirst for the unknown.
Characters to notice
- John Hatteras
Hatteras is the first to spot land and insists on sailing toward it, even as a storm and bears endanger the launch.
- Dr. Clawbonny
The doctor identifies the distant vapor as a volcano and later explains the luminous phenomenon as a rare atmospheric event.
- Altamont
Altamont questions the presence of a volcano at such a high latitude but eventually accepts the possibility.
- Johnson
Johnson notes the changing wind and helps bail water from the launch during the storm.
- Bell
Bell assists in bailing and cries out in terror at the sight of the bears on the floe.
Key passages
“Land, ho!”
Hatteras shouts that he has spotted land.
This cry marks the first sighting of the polar land.
“It's a volcano!”
The doctor exclaims that the distant vapor is a volcano.
The doctor identifies the phenomenon as a volcano, referencing Ross's discoveries.
“Malediction! we were not three miles from land!”
Hatteras curses as the wind drives the launch away from the land they were so close to.
Hatteras's frustration at being turned away from the Pole is palpable.