The Worst Journey in the World · Chapter
XVII: The Polar Journey explained
The chapter details the final stages of Scott's polar journey, including the discovery of Amundsen's black flag at the South Pole, the subsequent return march, and the harsh conditions on the Antarctic plateau.
What happens
The chapter details the final stages of Scott's polar journey, including the discovery of Amundsen's black flag at the South Pole, the subsequent return march, and the harsh conditions on the Antarctic plateau. It describes the geological work at Mount Darwin and Buckley Island, the physical deterioration of the party, and the constant battle against wind, cold, and difficult surfaces. The narrative highlights the disappointment of being second to the Pole and the increasing struggle for survival.
Themes in this chapter
Human Endurance and Suffering
The party endures extreme cold, wind, exhaustion, and the psychological blow of being second to the Pole, with physical deterioration evident in Evans and Oates.
Tragedy and Futility
The discovery of Amundsen's flag turns the triumph of reaching the Pole into a bitter disappointment, foreshadowing the tragic return journey.
Exploration and Scientific Inquiry
Despite the race to the Pole, Wilson prioritizes geological collection, including coal seams and fossils, underscoring the scientific mission.
Characters to notice
- Captain Scott
Records the disappointment at finding Amundsen's flag, notes the cold and fatigue of the party, and logs wind conditions during the plateau journey.
- Birdie Bowers
Discusses suicide contingency with the narrator, takes meteorological sights after camp, and keeps a diary of the return journey detailing depots and weather.
- Edward A. Wilson
Collects geological specimens at Mount Darwin and Buckley Island, writes diary entries on February 8 and 9 describing the geology and conditions, and notes the cold on January 14.
- Titus Oates
Mentioned as feeling the cold and fatigue more than the rest of the party on January 14.
- Edgar Evans
Unable to pull on February 8 and detached from the sledge, with cold hands noted at the Pole.
Key passages
“Great God! this is an awful place.”
Scott exclaims in his diary at the South Pole, overwhelmed by the harshness and desolation of the location.
Captures the emotional and physical shock of reaching the Pole under grim conditions.
“The Norwegians have forestalled us and are first at the Pole. It is a terrible disappointment, and I am very sorry for my loyal companions.”
Scott records the crushing realization that Amundsen has reached the Pole first, expressing sorrow for his team.
Highlights the central disappointment of the chapter and the blow to morale.
“I am not sure that enough notice has been taken of that.”
The narrator comments that the difficulty of the Beardmore Glacier descent is often underappreciated.
Emphasizes the underestimated challenges of the return journey.