The Fur Country · Chapter
XII: The Midnight Sun explained
The expedition reaches Cape Bathurst and determines its exact position, confirming it lies above the 70th parallel.
What happens
The expedition reaches Cape Bathurst and determines its exact position, confirming it lies above the 70th parallel. Lieutenant Hobson names a river and harbor after Mrs. Barnett. The party observes the midnight sun for the first time.
Themes in this chapter
Exploration and Ambition
The expedition's determination to establish a fort beyond the 70th parallel and the competitive drive against rival traders.
Commerce and Exploitation
The Hudson's Bay Company's commercial motives, double pay incentives, and the anticipation of exporting commodities.
The Sublime and Uncanny Nature
The first sighting of the midnight sun, a natural phenomenon that inspires awe and wonder in the explorers.
Characters to notice
- Lieutenant Jaspar Hobson
Leads the expedition, decides to wait for astronomical observations, and names the river and harbor after Mrs. Barnett.
- Mrs. Paulina Barnett
Explores the surrounding district with Hobson and others; the river and harbor are named in her honor.
- Sergeant Long
Accompanies the exploration of the district and shares the opinion about the dancing Frenchman.
- Thomas Black
Participates in the astronomical observation to determine the latitude and longitude of Cape Bathurst.
- Corporal Joliffe
Inquires about settling at Cape Bathurst and is reminded of double pay.
Key passages
“Noon! cried Jaspar Hobson and the astronomer at once.”
Hobson and Black simultaneously announced that the sun had reached its zenith.
The moment of astronomical observation confirming the latitude.
“For the first time they saw the shining of the midnight sun.”
The explorers witnessed the midnight sun for the very first time.
A key event marking their arrival at a latitude where the sun does not set in summer.