The Worst Journey in the World · Chapter
The Beardmore Glacier explained
The chapter details the grueling ascent of the Beardmore Glacier, where the polar party faces deep snow, soft surfaces, and crevasses.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Human Endurance and Suffering
The men endure deep snow, crevasses, physical exhaustion, and frostbite while man-hauling heavy sledges up the glacier.
Leadership and Decision Making
Scott's route selection and the agonizing choice of which men continue highlight the burdens of command.
Exploration and Scientific Inquiry
Surveying, sketching, and geological observations (e.g., coal strata on nunataks) underscore the scientific mission.
Characters to notice
- Captain Scott
Leads the expedition, makes critical decisions about route and team composition, and expresses heartrending choices about who continues.
- Birdie Bowers
Part of team III, packs additional Christmas fare, and assists with surveying alongside Lieutenant Evans.
- Edward A. Wilson
Part of team I, sketches the glacier and surrounding mountains during the march.
- Apsley Cherry-Garrard
Part of team III, describes the physical struggles and the beauty of the glacier, and adjusts harness to improve pulling.
- Teddy Evans
Leads team II, surveys with Bowers, and struggles to keep up with Scott's pace initially.
- William Lashly
Part of team II, has been man-hauling since the motor breakdown at Corner Camp.
Key passages
“The ponies had dragged twenty-four weekly units of food for four men to some five miles from the bottom of the glacier, but we were late.”
The ponies had hauled enough food for four men for twenty-four weeks to a point about five miles from the glacier's base, but the team was behind schedule.
Highlights the delay caused by the blizzard and the strain on supplies.
“Scott is quite wonderful in his selections of route, as we have escaped excessive dangers and difficulties all along.”
Scott's route choices have been excellent, allowing the team to avoid many severe hazards.
Cherry-Garrard praises Scott's navigational skill amidst the crevasses.
“I dreaded this necessity of choosing—nothing could be more heartrending.”
Scott found the decision of which men to send back deeply painful.
Reflects the emotional toll of leadership and the reality of limited resources.