The Great Explorations: Journey of Shackleton - Essay Example

The ‘Endurance’ started its journey across the Atlantic in the August of 1914 (Lansing 17), with a crew of sailors onboard, commanded by Ernest Shackleton. The objective of this difficult voyage was to sail down to the South and to establish British rule in that territory, as was the practice in those days. However, nature proved to be stronger than the ambitions and desires of men and the voyage was interrupted by gigantic icebergs that first froze the ship and latter flew it over in the opposite direction by strong ocean currents (Lansing 141).

The rest of the tale circles around how Shackleton and his men survived the hardships in the desolation brought upon them, how they proceed in their exploration by sailing on three life boats, the “James Caird” (Lansing 138), the “Dudley Docker” (Lansing 138) and the “Stancomb Wills” (Lansing 138) and finally, their journey back home in the Atlantic, after discovering several places. The most spectacular point about this voyage is that in spite of the ill-weather, insufficiency of food and lack of proper clothes to keep the crew members warm, none of them perished in the voyage.

However, the captain himself, who earns the credit for this impossible journey, lost his life at the end of it. (Lansing 269) Ironically, it can be said that the excitement, joy and glory of having completed a successful sea voyage proved too much for the 47-year old captain. This book belongs to the genre of sea voyage narratives but the main emphasis is on the great leadership qualities of Shackleton. Through the portrayal of this character the author gives us a grand example of human courage and perseverance.

This story clearly reflects the fact that nothing is unattainable if it is initiated with the right kind of attitude. With hope, desire and innovation, people can conquer the world and take catastrophes and misfortunes in their stride, for these are opportunities in disguise. This is evident from the efficient way in which Shackleton and his men dislodge from their ship, the ‘Endurance’ and rehabilitate themselves on the island they named “Ocean camp” (Lansing 87), “huddled in their tents, cold through and tired”.

(Lansing 7) In spite of being stranded on solid ice for days on end, they organized and shared the various occupations among themselves and went about their daily chores non-chalantly. Some of the men hunted seals, some cooked the meals, some tended to the dogs and some melted the ice for drinking purposes (Lansing 81). The level of composure reflected by the men and their captain, under such inhuman hardships deserves to be applauded. The book also highlights the need to take adequate and timely actions.

When the ship gets completely wrecked by strong ocean currents, Shackleton does not waste any time in proceeding with his journey, even if that meant sailing on small lifeboats through the tempestuous oceans. Most importantly, this book is an essential lesson in leadership. It shows how by unselfishness and compassion towards his subordinates and yet, staying assertive and commanding, Shackleton is able to achieve the best results. He orders hot milk for two of his men who become frost-bitten and ill (Lansing 156) and yet, when it comes to making key decisions like setting sail on life boats, he uses his own judgment and compels his