"Cynics might justifiably contend that Shackleton's fundamental purpose in undertaking the expedition was simply the greater glory of Ernest 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. He was keenly aware of social position and the important part that money played in it. In fact, the abiding (and unrealistic) dream of his life-at least superficially-was to achieve a status of economic well-being that would last a lifetime. He enjoyed fancying himself as a country gentleman, divorced from the workaday world, with the leisure and wealth to do as he pleased" (12).
Hypothetically speaking, if I were to receive a piece of paper with this quote on it, I would think that the person being described was nieve and not a smart person. That is the shortcut. He wanted to become rich and famous so he did not have to work for money. He wanted to become rich and famous by risking his life and all of his crew members for his wealth, fame, and fortune. Again hypothetically speaking, after reading this quote, you were to tell me that this would be the captain of a ship to Antarctica, there would be absolutely no way I would volunteer to become a crew member. This person is greedy.IRONICALLY, this was not the case. "When Shackleton announced his plans he was deluged by more than five thousand applications from persons (including 3 girls) who asked to go along" (15).
This person is Ernest Shackleton. He is the captain of the boat Endurance, for which the book is titled. The story begins as an escapade to Antarctica goes horribly wrong when the boat becomes stuck in ice. The story continues to describe the horror and the even bigger adventure in the fight to stay alive.
No comments:
Post a Comment