Alfred Lansing
The actual sinking of the Endurance.
"Cynics might justifiably contend that Shackleton's fundamental purpose in undertaking the expedition was simply the greater glory of Earnest Shackleton-and the financial rewards that would accrue to the leader of a successful expedition of this scope. Beyond all doubt, these motives loomed large in Shackleton's mind."
page 12
This quote accurately describes the character and methods of Sir Earnest Shackleton, the leader of the expedition of the Endurance across Antarctica. This obsession of not just wealth and fame, but the challenge itself, propelled the bold actions of the 20th century explorer. The very expedition, which most thought to be folly in the first place, and the hiring of seamen that resembled the shopping of tools made manifest his immutable will and his willingness to make sacrifices to see it fulfilled. However, Shackleton was not completely ruthless in his leadership.
When the Endurance began to sink in the ice off of the coast of Antarctica, Shackleton sought only to save all he could form the ship. Although most captains of the time would choose death with the ship, Shackleton ordered men, dogs, and supplies off of the ship and onto the ice. By the use of personification, Lansing portrays the dedication of captains to their ship. "And dying as she [the Endurance] was, she cried in agony." Shackleton suppressed his attachment to the ship and showed his true leadership of men in his decision to choose life over honor.
Although the Endurance had already set out on her mission before the crew was left stranded on ice, the true expedition that would test the endurance of the crew had just begun. You may be saying to yourself, "Christopher, how can you possibly know that after reading only two chapters?" The answer lies in Lansing's use of foreshadowing. "Though he certainly was aware that their situation was desperate, he could not possible have imagined then the physical and emotional demands that ultimately would be placed upon them, the rigors they would have to endure, the sufferings to which they would be subjected." Lansing gives the reader an early taste of the main action that will occur later in the book.
I can make a connection to the sinking ship that is rather close to home. My grandfather came to this country from Italy in 1956 on the Andrea Doria, which collided with the Swedish Stockholm during his voyage. I once asked him about the experience, and one detail that is in this book was also in his testimony: the extremely loud sound. However, the Andrea Doria, being a passenger vessel, created a tremendous amount of chaos when she sank. Both ships left their crew traumatized.
Here is a link if you are interested in learning more about the Andrea Doria: http://library.thinkquest.org/17297/andrea_home.htm.
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