Part V Chapters 1-3

A Group of Seals

The crew has finally reached land. Their death defying voyage to Elephant Island is over, and the men can have what they crave most, sleep. James writes "Turned in and slept, as we had never slept before, absolute dead dreamless sleep, oblivious of wet sleeping bags, lulled by croaking penguins." This shows just how integral sleep is to the human life. The men had been rowing for days straight without a chance of sleep. The men can finally become comfortable as they are able to procure four seals, and need not worry about food. Then, Shackleton tells the men that they must leave and go to another beach about seven miles away, for, if the storms get worse, they could become lost underwater. Just as they begin to get comfortable, the men once again have to sail in the freezing antarctic conditions exposed to the elements, and likely to get even more frostbitten. When the men reach their new island they capture seventy-seven penguins. Then, Shackleton gives news that he and a party of five men would attempt to reach South Georgia Island. Before they leave, Shackleton gives responsibility, of the crew, should he not return to Frank Wild. Then, Shackleton sets out to reach South Georgia. In this, Shackleton leaves an implication that he may not returnl