# XIII: Across the Ice Field explained — The Fur Country

> Chapter companion for The Fur Country by Jules Verne.

## What happens

On November 22nd, the weather finally moderates, and Lieutenant Hobson leads the entire colony in an attempt to cross the treacherous ice field toward the American continent. Despite initial progress, the party encounters immense obstacles—distorted ice, towering icebergs, and wide crevasses filled with liquid water due to unseasonably warm temperatures. After days of exhausting effort, they are forced to turn back, realizing the crossing is impossible. They return to Fort Hope, facing terrible weather and peril, but Hobson's skill ensures no lives are lost, though the colonists now face the grim prospect of another winter on the wandering island.

## Themes in this chapter

### Survival Against Nature

The chapter vividly depicts the colonists' struggle against the treacherous ice field, extreme cold, and unseasonable warmth, highlighting the constant threat of nature.

### Human Resilience and Camaraderie

Hobson's leadership and the group's collective endurance, trust, and mutual support are central as they face impossible odds and return safely.

## Character check-ins

### Lieutenant Jaspar Hobson

Leads the expedition across the ice field, demonstrates courage and prudence, and ultimately decides to turn back when the crossing proves impossible.

### Mrs. Paulina Barnett

Bids farewell to Fort Hope with emotion, asks Hobson about progress, and expresses concern about the slow pace of the journey.

### Sergeant Long

Accompanies Hobson in scouting the crevasse and insists they must find a way across.

## Key lines

> Farewell, farewell, to our poor Arctic home!

Mrs. Barnett bids a sorrowful goodbye to Fort Hope as the colony departs.

_Captures the emotional weight of leaving their hard-built shelter._

> We must pass somehow, for we can't stay where we are.

Sergeant Long insists they must find a way across the crevasse.

_Reflects the determination and urgency of the group._

> I have not disguised nor have I exaggerated the truth, and I know, my friends, that I am speaking to men who have found that I am not a man to turn back from difficulties. But I repeat, the task we have set ourselves is impossible!

Hobson honestly tells the colonists that crossing the ice is impossible, despite his usual resolve.

_Highlights Hobson's integrity and the gravity of their situation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_fur_country_se/chapters/part-ii-xiii-across-the-ice-field
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_fur_country_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_fur_country_se/chapters