Question

Consider how the author presents and discusses the series of events in the chapter “Across South Georgia.” What structure or blend of structures do you see Shackleton using to reveal and reflect on the events in the chapter?

Answer 1

Your answer should include some of these points:

Shackleton mostly uses the chronological structure to reveal and reflect on the events in the chapter “Across South Georgia.”

He describes the way in which the crew members climb to the mountaintop. The adze, a cutting tool, is their best friend, allowing them to carve footholds in the snowy slopes.

Shackleton’s descriptions explain the distinct geographical features of Antarctica. For example, the crew crosses a bergschrund—a gap formed when a moving glacier ice moves away from stagnant ice—that is 1.5 miles long and 1,000 feet deep.

Shackleton brings the wildlife of Antarctica alive for readers when he introduces the penguins, which live only in the southern hemisphere: “We could see the little wave-ripples on the black beach, penguins strutting to and fro, and dark objects that looked like seals lolling lazily on the sand.”

Answer 2

Shackleton mostly uses the chronological structure to reveal and reflect on the events in the chapter “Across South Georgia.”  

Shackleton begins the chapter by describing the climatic conditions. He describes the strong sun and soft snow. He writes of the huge inaccessible mountains.

He describes the way in which the crew members climb to the mountaintop. The adze, a cutting tool, is their best friend, allowing them to carve footholds in the snowy slopes.

Shackleton tells readers how the crew members get over their initial disappointment when they reach the peak and realize they will have to descend 1,500 feet to a bed of crushed ice.

Shackleton’s descriptions explain the distinct geographical features of Antarctica. For example, the crew crosses a bergschrund—a gap formed when a moving glacier ice moves away from stagnant ice—that is 1.5 miles long and 1,000 feet deep.