The Worst Journey in the World · Chapter
XIII: Suspense explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Human Endurance and Suffering
Crean's 35-mile solitary walk, Evans' critical illness, and the winter search party's hardships exemplify extreme physical and mental endurance.
Heroism and Sacrifice
Crean's selfless walk to save Evans and Lashly's devoted nursing highlight acts of heroism and sacrifice.
Companionship and Loyalty
The mutual support among the men, especially Atkinson's care for Cherry-Garrard and the rescue efforts, underscores loyalty.
Contrast Between Ambition and Reality
The initial optimism about Scott's progress contrasts sharply with the grim reality of the Polar Party's fate.
Characters to notice
- Apsley Cherry-Garrard
Narrator and observer at Cape Evans; describes the suspense and later the search efforts.
- Edward Atkinson
Senior officer after Scott's departure; leads rescue and search parties, cares for the sick.
- Tom Crean
Makes a heroic 35-mile solitary walk to save Teddy Evans; later returns to Cape Evans.
- Teddy Evans
Seriously ill after the depot journey; rescued by Crean and Atkinson.
- William Lashly
Cared for Teddy Evans during the crisis; his diary records the events.
- Dimitri Gerov
Dog driver who assists Atkinson in the rescue and later travels to Cape Evans.
- Titus Oates
Suggested using mules instead of ponies; mentioned in context of transport planning.
- Patrick Keohane
Accompanies Atkinson on the search party and later on the ice crossing.
Key passages
“Crean was walking for eighteen hours, and it was lucky for him, as also for his companions, that the blizzard which broke half an hour after his arrival did not come a little sooner, for no power on earth could have saved him then, and the news of Evans' plight would not have been brought.”
Crean walked for eighteen hours, and it was fortunate for everyone that the blizzard struck just half an hour after he arrived; otherwise he would have perished and the news of Evans' danger would never have been delivered.
Highlights Crean's narrow escape and the critical timing of his journey.
“Atkinson has never been able to express adequately the admiration he feels for Lashly's care and nursing.”
Atkinson could not fully convey his deep admiration for Lashly's attentive care and nursing.
Emphasizes Lashly's crucial role in saving Evans' life.
“It is a moral certainty that to go farther south would serve no purpose, and for two men would be a useless risk.”
It is practically certain that going further south would achieve nothing and would be an unnecessary risk for two men.
Reflects the decision to abandon the search for the Polar Party due to extreme conditions.
“We have got to face it now. The Pole Party will not in all probability ever get back. And there is no more that we can do.”
We must accept the reality: the Polar Party almost certainly will not return, and we can do nothing more to help them.
Captures the moment of resignation and grief at Hut Point.
