Question

Based on your reading of “Across South Georgia,” what do you think is Shackleton’s central purpose in writing his memoir?

Answer 1

Shackleton’s purpose was to inform readers of the unknown landscape and territories of Antarctica through vivid descriptions. Note how he describes the land:

The country to the east was an ascending snow upland dividing the glaciers of the north coast from the outfalls of the south. We had seen from the top that our course lay between two huge masses of crevasses . . .

His purpose was also to inspire future adventurers by writing about his crew’s strength and determination. He wanted to communicate that team spirit and smart thinking can help humans succeed against adversity.

People often write to give voice to their troubled thoughts or experiences. Shackleton probably had the same purpose—to vent his emotional upheaval when his plan to cross Antarctica failed. Shackleton sought to celebrate his team’s ability to endure hardships:

We were now up 4500 ft. and the night temperature at that elevation would be very low. We had no tent and no sleeping-bags, and our clothes had endured much rough usage and had weathered many storms during the last ten months.

Lastly, Shackleton wanted the world to know that even though the expedition’s mission hadn’t been accomplished, the crew members returned with remarkable stories and discoveries.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

Shackleton's purpose was to inform the readers of unknown landscapes and territorries in Antarctica. He accomplished that using vivid descriptions. He also wanted his audience to know that even though his mission wasn't exactly accomplished, his crew and him returned with great stories and discoveries.