The Worst Journey in the World · Chapter
The Pole and After explained
This chapter describes the final polar party of five men—Scott, Wilson, Evans, Oates, and Bowers—as they push toward the South Pole.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Human Endurance and Suffering
The men endure harsh conditions, with Bowers slogging on foot without skis and Evans beginning to fail physically.
Heroism and Sacrifice
The polar party's determination to push forward despite growing difficulties reflects their heroic commitment to the mission.
Exploration and Scientific Inquiry
Wilson's diary records scientific observations of ice, snow, clouds, and wildlife, emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge.
Contrast Between Ambition and Reality
Scott's initial optimism and smooth progress contrast sharply with the deteriorating surfaces and cold that soon threaten the party.
Characters to notice
- Captain Scott
Leader of the polar party, aged 43, anxious but resolute; praised his companions and made the decision to take five men to the Pole.
- Edward A. Wilson
Scientist and doctor, aged 39; kept a detailed diary of observations and was described as an artist and man of good judgment.
- Birdie Bowers
Aged 28, exceptionally mature; pulled on foot without skis, found the march tiring but remained determined and kept a diary of conditions.
- Titus Oates
Aged 32, one of the five chosen for the final push; represented the army in the party.
- Edgar Evans
Aged 37, a giant worker with a remarkable headpiece; began to 'crock' as conditions worsened, with a cut on his hand.
- Teddy Evans
Led the last supporting party that turned back on January 3, 1912; returned with Crean and Lashly.
- Tom Crean
Part of the last supporting party; was half in tears when saying goodbye to the polar party.
- William Lashly
Part of the last supporting party that turned back with Teddy Evans and Crean.
Key passages
“Scott returned from the Discovery Expedition impressed by the value of youth in polar work; but the five who went forward from 87° 2′ were all grown men, chosen from a body which was largely recruited on a basis of youth.”
Scott had valued youth from his earlier expedition, yet the final polar party were all mature men selected from a younger group.
Highlights the paradox of Scott's selection of older, experienced men for the final push.
“To slog along on foot, in soft snow, in the middle of four men pulling rhythmically on ski, must have been tiring and even painful; and Birdie’s legs were very short.”
Walking without skis in soft snow while others skied was exhausting and painful, especially for the short-legged Bowers.
Emphasizes the physical strain on Bowers due to the lack of skis.
“I should like to have Bill to hold my hand when we get to the Pole, said Scott.”
Scott expressed a desire to have Wilson with him for support at the Pole.
Shows Scott's reliance on Wilson's companionship and steadiness.
“Teddy and party gave us three cheers, and Crean was half in tears.”
The returning party cheered the polar party, and Crean was emotional.
Captures the emotional farewell between the supporting and polar parties.
“The thing had worked so far, it was up to them now: that great mass of figures and weights and averages, those years of preparation, those months of anxiety—no one of them had been in vain.”
All the planning and preparation had paid off; now the success of the journey depended solely on the polar party.
Reflects Scott's relief and sense of responsibility after the last support party left.
