47 pages • 1 hour read
Jennifer ArmstrongShipwreck at the Bottom of the World: The Extraordinary True Story of Shackleton and the Endurance
Nonfiction | Biography | Middle Grade | Published in 1998A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Themes
Endurance as a Test of Patience
The crew’s journey from the moment they become stuck in the ice is a test of patience. When the Endurance sinks, this test dramatically intensifies as their voyage turns to one of survival. The fact that they are “alive and well” (50), as Shackleton observes after the ship goes down, keeps them motivated through the dire circumstances that follow.
However, the crew’s endurance is not just exhibited through their calm and collected attitude, but also through their ability to handle loss, pain, and continuous discomfort. The men display integrity and compassion when they part with most of their belongings, including the many animals that are on board the ship, whom they are regularly forced to kill. Once the ship sinks, Shackleton makes it clear that they can only bring essential items going forward by dropping “his gold cigarette case and a handful of gold coins” into the snow to leave behind (51). They can only survive if they embrace the bare minimum, which they all willingly do.
As they make their way out of the Antarctic, the men also endure extreme physical hardship. They experience frostbite, saltwater boils, cramping, and dehydration, among other ailments. They often cry, but they rarely complain, and they never give up. After one of the men plunges into the icy cold water in his sleeping bag when their floe breaks apart, he jokes while “shivering uncontrollably” that he left his tobacco in the sleeping bag. Worsley comments that despite the ordeal, which disrupted them as they slept, the “whole party was in good spirits” (80). Their unstoppable positive energy throughout the journey is a major reason they are all able to survive against all odds.
Cooperation’s Crucial Role in Survival
Armstrong continuously emphasizes the extent to which cooperation is crucial to the crew’s survival. They simply cannot make it out of their situation unless they all work together. Shackleton understands this and goes to great lengths to create a sense of camaraderie. He knows “their strength lay in their unity” (12). On board Endurance they throw parties, have feasts, and play games. They rarely fight even though many of them “wouldn’t have meshed under even the best of circumstances” (31). They also joke around with one another and create lasting friendships. A number of members of Shackleton’s crew are people he has voyaged with in the past.
Although the men generally get along, their ability to cooperate is tested after the Endurance sinks. When they leave Ocean Camp and head out on the ice, some of the men lugging lifeboats stop working. Shackleton is quickly able to convince the disgruntled individuals, particularly McNeish, who is the most contentious, that the Ship’s Articles still stand. The men are still being paid, and their hard work is valued despite the fact that they are no longer on Endurance. Shackleton knows “their chances of survival would dwindle to nothing” if they “broke apart and chose their own courses” (63). They can “survive only by cooperating” (60). He quickly quells the momentary dissent and from then on, everyone works together.
The men’s cooperative spirit is especially vital when they separate at Elephant Island. It is the thought of saving his men that keeps Shackleton going on the journey to South Georgia Island. When he has to cross the uncharted terrain of the island, he is “tormented with the thought of the twenty-two men waiting for him” (107). They have “placed all their hopes and their lives in his hands” (107). Back on Elephant Island, the men use their last remaining strength to work together building a shelter and creating minimal comforts. They are motivated by the knowledge that Shackleton will return for them.
Strong Leadership Heightens the Chance of Survival
Strong leadership is an important theme of the book. While the crew’s survival is dependent upon endurance and cooperation, it also hinges on competent leadership. Shackleton continuously displays his ability to be a courageous leader who is always looking out for his men. He is forced to make many difficult decisions based on both survival and what is best for everyone. During the many harrowing situations the crew faces, Shackleton works to “keep up the appearance of calm in order to maintain morale” (70), despite his own anxieties. He also makes sure “routine was always followed” (34). This is as true aboard Endurance as it is when they are trekking on the ice (70).
Although Shackleton often sticks rigidly to a routine, he also demonstrates his strong leadership in his ability to have fun and allow an occasional celebration or feast. When the men find themselves with extra meat or food, Shackleton always calls for a large feast. When they are camped on the ice, Shackleton teaches the men how to play bridge. He also plays poker with Hurley, betting real and imaginary prizes. As much as Shackleton is strict, he can also have a good time and put his men at ease. It is part of the reason the men get along, and there are rarely any disagreements.
While Shackleton is the strongest leader, there are others who bear similar qualities. They include Worsley, the captain, and Wild, who is in charge of the men at Elephant Island. Everyone is aware that Worsley’s navigational skills are essential to their survival. Besides Shackleton, “they looked to the skipper to get them home” (74). Wild keeps the men motivated when they are at Elephant Island, refusing to “let them fall into helplessness and despair” (118). Without competent leadership, it is unlikely everyone would have made it through the many difficult situations they found themselves in.
