Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Section 2

On the Endurance, Shackleton orders his crew to hunt and gather seal for food, since their supply is decreasing, and also to get rid of anything that is unnecessary to survival. For example, they make seal meat stew by including the lumps of blubber from seals. By including it in the stew, it can ease the seamen to get used to the taste for when they run out of food. To me, I would never be able to eat it; however, if I was put in that situation, I would probably have no choice but to eat it if it meant survival. Another thing Shackleton orders is to get rid of anything that is unnecessary to survival including excess clothing, things to stay warm, and even items to sleep in. They must prepare for the boat to sink and prolong it; so by getting rid of items, the weight is reduced. The seamen do get a little discouraged, but I understand their point of view. If I was in that situation, I would get a little discouraged as well. By prolonging the ship sinking and eating lumps of blubber from seals, I would feel like the captain is doubting survival and ensuring the sinking of the ship.

5 comments:

  1. Wow, I remember when we thought this was the worst thing to deal with, but as we got more in depth in the chapters this is a shame, but we see why it needed to be done now.

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  2. I am grossed out by the thought of them eating seal, but if I was in that situation and it meant survival, I too would probably suck it up and do it. I thought it was sad when they had to lose their last connections to the world, but it was also a wise move by Shackleton. It was good that he set the example and threw his stuff out in front of the men, to prove his point.

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  3. At this point I don't think I would feel as if the captain is giving up. His efforts of reducing the weight on the ship and feeding the men blubber show me that he plans on surviving, and that he is willing to do anything to finish the journey.

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  4. I don't necessarily think that I would feel as though the captain was giving up or doubting survival. On the opposite hand, I feel that he is rather trying to make sure they survive by taking measures that may seem to be helpful but really are. Shackleton is showing that no matter how hard it is he will keep them alive in anyway possible.

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  5. I feel like at this point they were still optimistic about this voyage. If i knew i was going to die, i would rather dies famished then having to eat seal blubber. Just the thought of it makes me want to hurl. This optimism is what might bring them to their destination.

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