The Fur Country · Chapter
The Polar Night explained
The chapter describes the onset of the polar night with a violent storm that imprisons the colonists inside Fort Hope.
What happens
The chapter describes the onset of the polar night with a violent storm that imprisons the colonists inside Fort Hope. The cold is intense, and the house is buried under snow. The inhabitants occupy themselves with work, reading, and games to pass the time. After eight days, the storm ceases, and they dig themselves out, finding the snow frozen solid. The extreme cold is discussed, with comparisons to other Arctic locations. Thomas Black attempts astronomical observations but is burned by his cold instruments. The animals are found safe.
Themes in this chapter
Survival Against Nature
The colonists endure a violent storm, extreme cold, and snow burial, using routine and cooperation to survive.
Human Resilience and Camaraderie
The group maintains morale through work, reading, and games, showing their ability to adapt and support each other.
Scientific Curiosity
Thomas Black's eagerness to observe the stars and the discussion of temperature records reflect the scientific interests of the expedition.
Characters to notice
- Lieutenant Jaspar Hobson
Insists on keeping the door shut during the storm, records the daily journal, and discusses the 'pole of cold' with Mrs. Barnett.
- Mrs. Paulina Barnett
Reads aloud to the group, asks about the cold and thaw, and shows great interest in the degrees of cold.
- Thomas Black
Frets at the storm preventing observations, later attempts to observe stars but burns his hands on the cold instruments.
- Madge
Gradually becoming accustomed to the harsh climate, mentioned alongside Mrs. Barnett.
- Mac-Nab
Worries about the chimneys being blown over during the storm.
- Sergeant Long
Recalls the extreme cold of 70° below zero at Fort Reliance in 1845.
Key passages
“The long night was ushered in by a violent storm.”
The polar night began with a fierce storm.
Opening line sets the scene for the chapter.
“The Lieutenant was obliged to insist upon the door being kept shut, for had it been opened the passages would immediately have become blocked up.”
Hobson had to order the door to stay closed to prevent snow from blocking the passages.
Shows the severity of the storm and Hobson's leadership.
“Thomas Black screwed and unscrewed his instruments, and looked over his astronomical calculations, remaining almost always shut up in his cabin, fretting and fuming at the storm which prevented him from making nocturnal observations.”
Black stayed in his cabin, frustrated that the storm kept him from observing the night sky.
Highlights Black's scientific obsession and frustration.
“His instruments 'burnt' his hands!”
The extreme cold made the metal instruments painfully burn his skin.
Describes the dangerous effect of intense cold on bare skin.