The Worst Journey in the World · Chapter
The Depot Journey explained
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, Oat
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Human Endurance and Suffering
The men endure extreme exhaustion, sleep deprivation, and physical pain, exemplified by Bowers hiding his injured knee and the chaotic, hurried departure.
Contrast Between Ambition and Reality
The idealized vision of trained athletes contrasts sharply with the reality of panic, injury, and the loss of ponies, while the discovery of Amundsen shatters assumptions of a clear path.
Companionship and Loyalty
Crean's rescue and the mutual support among the men, such as Scott's anxiety for the missing and Oates' care for Crean, highlight their bonds.
Characters to notice
- Captain Scott
Busy making arrangements for a further year's stay; takes reverses like a brick; expresses relief when missing men are found; decides to proceed as though Amundsen's presence had not happened.
- Birdie Bowers
Helps Scott with arrangements; injures his knee but hides it from doctors to continue; leads his pony Uncle Bill; writes a letter detailing the incident with Crean.
- Titus Oates
Weighs pony food, sorts harness, and manages the ponies; comments on the danger of ponies falling into holes; meets Crean on the Barrier and lights the primus for him.
- Tom Crean
Narrates his escape from the ice floes to the Barrier using a ski stick; described as 'pretty lively' during the ordeal.
- Edward A. Wilson
Meets Crean on the Barrier with Scott and Oates; Scott mutters to him about anxiety over missing men.
- Apsley Cherry-Garrard
Recalls the sight of Bowers in pain at the start; bandages Bowers' knee; goes forward to prospect with Bowers; records the emotional reaction to Amundsen's news.
- Edward Atkinson
Brings the ship's mail to Scott, including Campbell's letter about Amundsen.
- Tryggve Gran
Meets Crean on skis after his escape to the Barrier.
Key passages
“If a pony falls into one of these holes I shall sit down and cry, said Oates.”
Oates threatened to break down emotionally if a pony fell into a crevasse.
Reflects the high tension and risk during the crossing of Glacier Tongue.
“Poor Captain Scott had now a new anxiety thrust upon him.”
Scott faced additional worry about the safety of the winter station after the ice broke up.
Highlights Scott's burden of leadership amid unforeseen challenges.
“One thing only fixes itself definitely in my mind. The proper, as well as the wiser, course for us is to proceed exactly as though this had not happened.”
Scott resolved to continue the expedition as planned, ignoring Amundsen's presence.
Demonstrates Scott's determination and strategic response to competition.
