The Worst Journey in the World · Chapter
XI: The Polar Journey (Continued) explained
This chapter continues the narrative of the polar journey, focusing on the first week on the plateau as recorded in Bowers' diary.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Human Endurance and Suffering
The chapter highlights the physical strain of man-hauling at high altitude, with men like Lashly and Evans pushing beyond normal limits.
Exploration and Scientific Inquiry
The chapter opens with a defense of polar exploration as a scientific necessity, and Bowers' diary includes meteorological and positional observations.
Leadership and Decision Making
Scott's decision to take five men to the Pole instead of four is a key moment, reflecting his desire to include as many as possible despite logistical constraints.
Characters to notice
- Birdie Bowers
Bowers' diary provides the primary narrative for the first week on the plateau; he also handled meteorological logs, sights, and depot work.
- Captain Scott
Scott led the polar party and made the decision to take five men forward; his team was the strongest on the glacier.
- Edgar Evans
Seaman Evans was the first to show signs of collapse; he injured his hand while resizing sledges on December 31.
- Teddy Evans
Lieutenant Evans was sent back with the last supporting party; he and Lashly had man-hauled 400 miles more than the rest.
- William Lashly
Lashly was part of the last supporting party that turned back on January 4; his man-hauling feat is noted as one of the great polar achievements.
- Tom Crean
Crean was also sent back with the last supporting party on January 4.
Key passages
“People, perhaps, still exist who believe that it is of no importance to explore the unknown polar regions. This, of course, shows ignorance. It is hardly necessary to mention here of what scientific importance it is that these regions should be thoroughly explored.”
Some people still think polar exploration is pointless, but that view is ignorant; the scientific value of exploring these regions is obvious.
Opening defense of exploration, attributed to Nansen.
“The history of the human race is a continual struggle from darkness towards light. It is, therefore, to no purpose to discuss the use of knowledge; man wants to know, and when he ceases to do so, he is no longer man.”
Human history is a constant fight from ignorance to understanding; debating the utility of knowledge is pointless because the desire to know is fundamental to being human.
Philosophical justification for exploration, from Nansen.
“What castles one builds now hopefully that the Pole is ours”
Scott felt optimistic and imagined future triumphs as the Pole seemed within reach.
Scott's hopeful diary entry after the supporting party left.