As I read Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World, I was once again pleasantly surprised by the pure enjoyment of discovering a book—or even an entire genre—that I didn’t think I would have any interest in. As I’ve mentioned in previous papers, I have only ever been interested in history when reading historical fiction, so it was a complete surprise to find myself truly enjoying a nonfiction book, especially about a historical event.
Of course, the key to this book was the amazing narrative quality. I found myself completely immersed in the adventure and mystery of what would happen next, even forgetting at times that the story I was reading was nonfiction. Even though we learn in the the very first chapter that everyone in Shackleton’s expedition survived, the story is so compelling that we read on, still expecting something horrible to happen, still wondering how the explorers will have the strength to continue. It is this element of suspense that makes the book so moving and engaging.
I thought the book embraced the idea that certain stories and pieces of history are worth studying in more depth because there is so much to learn from them. In particular, I felt Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World was a wonderful lesson about leadership and teamwork. In addition to the incredible talents each crew member brought with him, and the ingenuity shown with each new invention or system created by the group as a whole, I was constantly impressed by Shackleton’s ability to lead his group as a team. I thought the way each dilemma was presented, including the start of mutiny, led credibility to Shackleton’s strength. His resolute determination to bring home every man on his team provided an encouraging and inspiring tale of both mental and physical strength that any reader would be forced to admire.
Reading the book as nonfiction, I occasionally questioned whether the author, Jennifer Armstrong, was embellishing the respect the men had for Shackleton. As a writer of a subject you have researched so thoroughly, it would be easy to unwittingly further a personal agenda and create a hero out of a man you had personally grown to respect; however, Armstrong’s consistent use of notes and diaries allows us to believe Shackleton’s extraordinary leadership role. Armstrong manages to show Shackleton’s weaknesses along with his strengths, and his caring along with his pragmatism, which lends credibility to his decisions and, ultimately, to the story as a whole.
One way that Armstrong excels in building Shackleton’s credibility is through the well-placed diary entries throughout the book. While Shackleton must consistently create an aura of confidence with his men, Armstrong gives the reader insight into his doubt and worry about the difficult decisions he must make. In regard to Shackleton’s mental weakness, we are privy to his horrifying nightmares and obsession with solutions to possible crises (pp. 69-70), but his men know nothing of this. Additionally, we hear the fear of failure teamed with the resolute determination in his mind as he decides to lead the rescue mission for the men he must leave behind at Elephant Island: “Skipper, we shall have to make that boat journey, however risky it is…I’m not going to let my men starve” (p. 92). The constant reminders that “Shackleton and his most trusted advisers frequently debated their options” (p. 60) and even took “days” (p. 67) to consider the most difficult decisions allow the reader to further respect and believe in Shackleton’s ability to lead.
The second most important way Armstrong tells Shackleton’s story is through the perfectly placed photographs. The fact that such photographs exist is amazing in and of itself, but to be able to see the photos complete the narrative picture developing in our heads as we read truly makes the book not only readable, but also thoroughly credible.
What I found most interesting about Armstrong’s use of available photography was the lack of focus on Shackleton. It seemed the pictures reflected life during the ordeal – not any particular person. There were multiple photos of the ship, the crew, and the surroundings, but never a visual image of Shackleton in charge of everything. I think this balance between the preparedness, leadership, and heroism of Shackleton as an individual and the community aspect of the photographs greatly complement the story and help the reader make sense of a truly incredible story.
1 comment:
I can't remember if you were one of the people who said they'd never heard the story of Shackleton before, but if you were, props to you for appreciating the story. My only issue is your opinion of the expedition members' opinion of Shackleton. It may be hard to believe the praise he gets in the book, but you have to remember, this guy essentially saved the lives of 27 men. It takes a special kind of person to do that in the face of all the adversity that the expedition encountered; remember, some of these guys signed up again to go back to the Antarctic with him AFTER THEY MADE IT OUT. That's dedication. As I said in class, I believe leaders are born, not made. Perhaps it's a bit difficult for you to believe these men's opinion of Shackleton because we take leadership for granted much more than people 100 years ago did; in their day, they didn't have leadership seminars where they can instruct you on how to behave in a certain situation. I think Shackleton's men had such a deep respect for him because he had that certain "je ne sais quois," that innate ability to inspire even under the worst circumstances. How many people today instill loyalty like that in their followers? Yes, it's true that each man contributed to the survival of the overall expedition, but Shackleton was the leader in action as well as name.
Post a Comment