The Fur Country · Chapter
VII: The Arctic Circle explained
The expedition continues northwest, facing difficult terrain and fatigue.
What happens
The expedition continues northwest, facing difficult terrain and fatigue. They reach the Arctic Circle on May 23, where Mrs. Barnett is congratulated on her cosmopolitan travels. A severe snowstorm forces them to halt and dig shelters in icebergs. After two days of violent storm, the cold intensifies and the tempest suddenly ceases.
Themes in this chapter
Exploration and Ambition
The expedition crosses the Arctic Circle, driven by ambition to explore unknown regions and establish a new factory.
Survival Against Nature
The party endures a violent snowstorm, digging shelters in icebergs and facing avalanches and prowling bears.
Human Resilience and Camaraderie
Despite fatigue and danger, the men bear the hardship without murmur, working together to create snow houses and wait out the storm.
Characters to notice
- Lieutenant Jaspar Hobson
Urges the dogs onward, anxious to reach Fort Confidence; consults with Sergeant Long; orders halt and directs digging of snow houses.
- Mrs. Paulina Barnett
Expresses surprise at not seeing more polar bears; is present at the latitude measurement and congratulated on crossing the Arctic Circle; shares a hut with Madge and Hobson during the storm.
- Sergeant Long
Consulted by Hobson about the weather and the decision to halt; shares a hut with Thomas Black.
- Thomas Black
Absorbed in his own idea, never gets out of the sledge; shares a hut with Sergeant Long.
- Madge
Occupies a hut with Mrs. Barnett and Lieutenant Hobson during the storm.
Key passages
“Eight or ten miles a day were as much as they could accomplish, although Lieutenant Hobson urged them on to the utmost.”
The group could only manage eight to ten miles daily, despite Hobson's relentless pushing.
Highlights the slow progress due to difficult terrain and exhausted dogs.
“Wait for the winter, madam; wait till the cold makes them hungry, and then you will perhaps see as many as you care about!”
Hobson tells Mrs. Barnett that polar bears will become more numerous and aggressive once winter hunger sets in.
Foreshadows future dangers from bears.
“I must see everything or at least try to see everything, Lieutenant.”
Mrs. Barnett expresses her determination to explore as much of the world as possible.
Reveals her adventurous spirit and cosmopolitan ambition.
“To the icebergs! to the icebergs! cried Jaspar Hobson.”
Hobson orders the group to take shelter by digging into the icebergs.
Shows the immediate response to the storm and the use of ice as refuge.