The Worst Journey in the World · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Worst Journey in the World by Apsley Cherry-Garrard.
Chapter 1
Preamble
The author introduces the volume as a narrative of Scott's Last Expedition from its departure from England in 1910 to its return to New Zealand in 1913, focusing on the Main Party and noting that subsidiary parties and geological journeys will be covered in a later appendix.
Chapter 2
The Worst Journey in the World
The chapter introduces the Antarctic expedition of 1910-1913, setting the stage for the harrowing journey ahead.
Chapter 3
I: From England to South Africa
The Terra Nova departs from Cardiff on June 15, 1910, beginning its voyage to the Antarctic. The chapter describes the informal yet hardworking atmosphere aboard, the diverse personnel including scientific staff and naval officers, and the early scientific observations made at sea. It highlights the stop at Funchal, Madeira, and the exploration of South Trinidad Island, where the party encounters land-crabs, birds, and various scientific pursuits. The narrative emphasizes the voluntary labor system, the challenges of life at sea, and the camaraderie among the crew.
Chapter 4
II: Making Our Easting Down
The chapter describes the Terra Nova's voyage from London to New Zealand, focusing on the crew's camaraderie, the challenges of life at sea, and the preparations for the Antarctic expedition. It highlights Scott's growing trust in officers like Campbell and Bowers, the scientific staff's adaptability, and the warm welcome from New Zealand. The narrative also includes vivid descriptions of albatross captures, a dramatic squall, and the daily routines of the watch.
Chapter 5
III: Southward
The Terra Nova pushes south through the pack ice, encountering Adélie penguins, Christmas celebrations, and the constant struggle against the frozen sea. The crew observes wildlife, sings songs, and endures the patience-testing delays of ice navigation, finally breaking through to open water near the end of December.
Chapter 6
Land
The Terra Nova arrives in Antarctic waters, sighting land for the first time and navigating through pack ice and gales. The expedition sets up base at Cape Evans, landing supplies, ponies, dogs, and motors. The chapter describes the beauty of the landscape, the behavior of penguins, and the challenges of unloading and establishing the hut.
Chapter 7
The Depot Journey
The chapter details the chaotic and exhausting start of the depot journey from Cape Evans on January 24, 1911, as thirteen men, including Scott, Meares, Crean, Wilson, Atkinson, Forde, Teddy Evans, Cherry-Garrard, Dimitri, Bowers, Gran, Oates, and Keohane, hastily depart amid thawing ice and panic. It recounts the perilous crossing of Glacier Tongue, the loss of ponies through sea-ice, and Crean's daring escape to the Barrier. The narrative also covers the return to Hut Point, the discovery of Amundsen's camp at the Bay of Whales, and the men's initial fury and subsequent resolve to proceed as planned.
Chapter 8
The Return of the Pony Party from One Ton Depot
Bowers describes the return journey of the pony party from One Ton Depot, detailing the challenges of navigating the featureless Barrier, the deteriorating health of the ponies (especially Weary Willie), and the difficulties of steering by compass near the Magnetic Pole. The party encounters optical illusions, blizzard-like conditions, and evidence of other pony deaths, ultimately pressing on with limited food and fodder.
Chapter 9
The Return of the Dog Party
The chapter recounts the return of the dog teams from their depot journey, including a harrowing crevasse accident where the dogs dangled in the abyss and were rescued. It also describes the discovery of Amundsen's camp at the Bay of Whales, the dangerous rescue of ponies from killer whales, and the loss of several ponies, with only Nobby saved.
Chapter 10
VI: The First Winter
This chapter details the first winter at Cape Evans, focusing on the psychological and physical challenges of Antarctic life. It explores the dynamics of leadership, the importance of companionship and shared intellectual pursuits, and the rigorous preparations for the polar journey. The narrative highlights the characters of Scott and Bowers, their contrasting yet complementary natures, and the immense scientific and logistical work accomplished during the winter months.
Chapter 11
VII: The Winter Journey
The chapter details the extraordinary winter journey undertaken by Wilson, Bowers, and Cherry-Garrard to Cape Crozier in the depths of the Antarctic night. It describes the immense physical challenges, including extreme cold, blizzards, and the constant threat of crevasses, as well as the psychological and physical toll on the men. The narrative also includes a description of the Midwinter Night celebration at the hut, the careful planning and rationing of food, and the eventual return journey, marked by a sense of deliverance and relief as conditions improve.
Chapter 12
Appendix
Professor Cossar Ewart's report evaluates the scientific value of the Emperor Penguin embryos collected during the Winter Journey to Cape Crozier. It discusses the breeding habits of Emperor Penguins, the origin of feathers, and concludes that the feather papillae in bird embryos are fundamentally different from scale papillae in reptiles, supporting the theory that feathers are not derived from scales. The report affirms that the perilous expedition was scientifically worthwhile.
Chapter 13
Spring
As spring arrives, the expedition prepares for the Southern Journey. Scott finalizes plans with Bowers's help, but faces a series of setbacks: injuries to Forde, Clissold, and Debenham; ailing ponies like Jehu and Chinaman; a dog's death; and a motor axle accident. The motor party, with Day and Lashly, departs on October 24 but struggles with engine overheating and breakdowns. Meanwhile, Meares and Dimitri run dog teams to Corner Camp, and Griffith Taylor contributes to meteorology and scientific work. Despite the challenges, Scott remains cautiously optimistic about the journey ahead.
Chapter 14
The Polar Journey
The chapter describes the departure of the polar party from Cape Evans on November 1, the challenges of the Barrier stage, the failure of the motor sledges, the condition of the ponies, and the strategic decisions made at One Ton Depot regarding the use of ponies and dogs for the ascent of the Beardmore Glacier.
Chapter 15
The Barrier Stage
The chapter details the early stages of the depot journey across the Barrier, focusing on the daily routines, challenges of sledging, and the psychological impact of the monotonous landscape. It highlights the importance of camp organization, cooking, and morale, as well as the difficult decisions regarding the ponies, including the shooting of Christopher and Victor due to dwindling food supplies. The narrative also describes the sighting of the mountains and the approach to the Beardmore Glacier.
Chapter 16
X: The Polar Journey (Continued)
The chapter details the early stages of the polar journey, focusing on the ascent of the Beardmore Glacier. The team faces deep snow, crevasses, and delays due to a blizzard, forcing them to begin man-hauling earlier than planned. Scott makes the difficult decision to send some men back, and the narrative highlights the physical and emotional toll of the journey.
Chapter 17
The Beardmore Glacier
The chapter details the grueling ascent of the Beardmore Glacier, where the polar party faces deep snow, soft surfaces, and crevasses. Delays from a blizzard force them to eat summit rations early, and they must reorganize into man-hauling teams after the ponies fail. The narrative follows their daily struggles, the establishment of depots, and the physical toll on the men, while highlighting Scott's route-finding and the team's perseverance.
Chapter 18
XI: The Polar Journey (Continued)
This chapter continues the narrative of the polar journey, focusing on the first week on the plateau as recorded in Bowers' diary. It details the departure of the first returning party, the reorganization of sledges and teams, and the physical toll of man-hauling at high altitude. The chapter also discusses Scott's decision to take five men to the Pole instead of the planned four, and the early signs of strain on Seaman Evans.
Chapter 19
III: The Plateau from Mount Darwin to Lat. 87° 2′ S.
The chapter details the final ascent onto the polar plateau, the organization of the two sledging teams, and the decision to send back the last supporting party. It highlights the physical strain on the men, particularly the second team, and the beginning of Edgar Evans' decline. Bowers' diary entries describe the harsh conditions, the relentless southerly wind, and the challenges of man-hauling on the high plateau.
Chapter 20
The Polar Journey (Continued)
This chapter details the return journeys of the supporting parties after leaving Scott's polar team. Cherry-Garrard recounts the First Supporting Party's difficult trek back, including a harrowing day when Keohane fell into crevasses repeatedly and Atkinson suffered a severe fall. Lashly's diary entries describe the Last Supporting Party's struggle through treacherous pressure ridges below the Cloudmaker, with Teddy Evans suffering snow blindness and the party narrowly escaping disaster to reach a depot. The chapter highlights the physical and psychological toll of the return journey, the reliance on dog teams for cairn building, and the shared hardships of all parties.
Chapter 21
Returning Parties
The chapter follows the return journey of the last supporting party, led by Teddy Evans, after parting ways with Scott's polar party on January 4, 1912. The narrative, drawn from Lashly's diary, details the grueling trek back across the Beardmore Glacier and the Barrier, marked by snow-blindness, low temperatures, rough ice, and the loss of a sledge meter. The party faces near-starvation and dangerous crevasses before reaching depots. The chapter culminates in Crean's desperate solo walk to Hut Point to summon help for the stranded Evans, Lashly, and himself.
Chapter 22
XIII: Suspense
The chapter details the period of anxious waiting at Cape Evans after the return of the First Supporting Party, while the Polar Party pushes south. It recounts Crean's heroic solitary walk to save Teddy Evans, Atkinson's rescue mission, and the arrival of the Terra Nova with supplies, dogs, and mules. The narrative shifts to the grim winter, as Atkinson leads a search party that finds only Scott's final camp, confirming the tragedy. The chapter ends with the weakened party at Hut Point, struggling to return to Cape Evans amid deteriorating ice and weather.
Chapter 23
XIV: The Last Winter
The chapter describes the final winter at Cape Evans, with thirteen men left after the departure of the ship and the deaths of the Polar Party. Under Atkinson's command, they maintain routine, scientific work, and morale despite constant blizzards and the grim knowledge that Scott and his companions are dead. The party debates whether to search south for the Polar Party or north to relieve Campbell's stranded group, ultimately deciding to go south.
Chapter 24
Another Spring
As spring returns to Antarctica, the men emerge from winter darkness with renewed hope and activity. They organize search and survey expeditions, reflecting on the fate of the Polar Party and the dangers of the Beardmore Glacier. The chapter also vividly describes the dog teams, their individual personalities, and the challenges of dog-driving, including the death of the little dog Mukaka.
Chapter 25
XVI: The Search Journey
The search party, led by Atkinson, sets out from Hut Point on October 29, 1912, with mules and dog teams to find the Polar Party. They discover the tent containing the bodies of Scott, Wilson, and Bowers, along with Scott's diary and letters. They build a cairn and cross over the remains, leaving a note. The party also searches for Oates' body and reflects on the oil shortage and the final days of the Polar Party. The chapter details the challenges of the journey, including soft snow, fog, and the mules' struggles.
Chapter 26
XVII: The Polar Journey
The chapter details the final stages of Scott's polar journey, including the discovery of Amundsen's black flag at the South Pole, the subsequent return march, and the harsh conditions on the Antarctic plateau. It describes the geological work at Mount Darwin and Buckley Island, the physical deterioration of the party, and the constant battle against wind, cold, and difficult surfaces. The narrative highlights the disappointment of being second to the Pole and the increasing struggle for survival.
Chapter 27
The Pole and After
This chapter describes the final polar party of five men—Scott, Wilson, Evans, Oates, and Bowers—as they push toward the South Pole. It details the composition of the party, the challenges of a five-man team with only four pairs of skis, and the early optimism of the march. The narrative shifts as the surface worsens, the cold intensifies, and Evans begins to fail, foreshadowing the tragedy to come.
Chapter 28
XVIII: The Polar Journey (Continued)
This chapter details the harrowing return journey from the South Pole, focusing on the physical and mental deterioration of the Polar Party. It describes the death of Edgar Evans, the heroic self-sacrifice of Titus Oates, and the increasingly desperate conditions as they struggle against extreme cold, inadequate rations, and terrible snow surfaces. Scott's diary entries convey their dwindling hopes and the final, fatal push toward One Ton Depot.
Chapter 29
VI: Farthest South
The chapter details the harrowing return journey of Scott's Polar Party from the South Pole, focusing on their physical deterioration, extreme cold, and the deaths of Edgar Evans and Captain Oates. It includes Scott's diary entries and letters, culminating in his 'Message to the Public' attributing the disaster to misfortune and severe weather.
Chapter 30
XIX: Never Again
Cherry-Garrard reflects on the expedition ten years later, contrasting the tragic heroism of Scott's journey with Amundsen's efficient success. He argues that the expedition's scientific ambitions and diverse goals, while noble, contributed to its fatal outcome. He criticizes the reliance on man-hauling and ponies instead of dogs and ski, and calls for future polar exploration to be properly funded and organized by governments, using modern technology to avoid unnecessary suffering.
Chapter 31
Glossary
This chapter provides definitions and explanations of key terms used throughout the book, including Antarctic weather phenomena, ice formations, sledging equipment, and measurement units.
Chapter 32
Endnotes
This chapter compiles the endnotes and references for the book, citing sources such as Scott's Last Expedition, Voyage of the Discovery, and various scientific reports, along with personal diary entries and letters from expedition members.
Chapter 33
List of Illustrations
This chapter presents a comprehensive list of illustrations included in the book, featuring sketches, watercolours, and photographs by Dr. Edward A. Wilson, F. Debenham, C. S. Wright, and others. The illustrations depict scenes from the expedition, including landscapes, wildlife, camp life, and key moments such as the Winter Journey, the Beardmore Glacier ascent, and the Polar Party's route.
