The Fur Country · Chapter
Mercury Freezes explained
The chapter describes the extreme cold at Fort Hope, where temperatures drop so low that mercury freezes.
What happens
The chapter describes the extreme cold at Fort Hope, where temperatures drop so low that mercury freezes. The colonists celebrate Christmas with a feast and witness a volcanic eruption. The cold intensifies, causing fuel shortages and health risks. Hobson and Sergeant Long discuss the dwindling wood supply, while Mrs. Barnett keeps spirits high. The chapter ends with the thermometer reaching 66° below zero.
Themes in this chapter
Survival Against Nature
The colonists battle extreme cold, fuel shortages, and the threat of frostbite and death, highlighting their struggle for survival.
Human Resilience and Camaraderie
Mrs. Barnett's leadership, the shared Christmas celebration, and the collective effort to maintain warmth and morale demonstrate resilience and camaraderie.
The Sublime and Uncanny Nature
The volcanic eruption and its eerie, beautiful light display contrast with the deadly cold, evoking the sublime and uncanny aspects of nature.
Characters to notice
- Lieutenant Jaspar Hobson
Worried about the cold, fuel supply, and volcanic rumblings; leads the colony with concern.
- Mrs. Paulina Barnett
Exemplary courage and activity; keeps others awake and cheerful with readings and songs.
- Sergeant Long
Reports the wood shortage and discusses the cold with Hobson; shows devotion.
- Thomas Black
Indignantly defends the aurora against Mrs. Barnett's praise of the volcanic eruption; focused on the upcoming eclipse.
- Madge
Mentioned as part of the colony; present at the Christmas celebration.
- Mac-Nab
Mentioned as part of the colony; present at the Christmas celebration.
- Corporal Joliffe
Mentioned as part of the colony; present at the Christmas celebration.
- Mrs. Joliffe
Mentioned as part of the colony; present at the Christmas celebration.
Key passages
“The Fahrenheit thermometer fell to 18° below zero, and the gale roared like a volley of musketry.”
The temperature dropped to 18° below zero Fahrenheit, and the wind howled as loudly as gunfire.
Describes the onset of severe cold and wind.
“It was an eruption. Indeed, above the western cliffs beyond Walruses’ Bay the horizon was on fire.”
The source of the red light was a volcanic eruption visible beyond the western cliffs.
Reveals the cause of the strange illumination during the Christmas celebration.
“We shall be out of wood soon!”
Our wood supply is nearly exhausted.
Sergeant Long warns Hobson about the critical fuel shortage.
“On the 8th January the alcohol thermometer placed outside the window of the passage marked 66° below zero.”
By January 8th, the outdoor alcohol thermometer read 66° below zero.
Indicates the extreme cold reached a new low.
