# XII: The Midnight Sun explained — The Fur Country

> Chapter companion for The Fur Country by Jules Verne.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_fur_country_se/chapters/part-i-xii-the-midnight-sun
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_fur_country_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_fur_country_se/chapters