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Shackleton (4 Parts)
In August of 1914, Ernest Shackleton set out to become the first person to cross the continent of Antarctica. With a crew of 27 and his ship, ENDURANCE, Shackleton set out on a journey that would test the limits of human fortitude. After becoming trapped in the ice of the Weddell Sea, and realizing that the initial goal of the expedition will not be achieved, Shakleton must lead his men to safety or risk complete failure. Over the course of a year Shackleton’s unrelenting courage and determination lead to the successful rescue of his entire crew.
A&E’s original movie Shackleton is a powerful look at the effort necessary to put together an expedition to the unknown and the collective strength needed to overcome the unexpected. Before setting off on his expedition, Ernest Shackleton states “it is in our nature to explore.” At the center of the exploration in Shackleton is a man who made sacrifices in trying to be the first person to cross the continent of Antarctica, and learned how to persevere against all odds.
NOTE TO TEACHER’S: Due to the graphic nature of this program we recommend that you preview Shackleton before showing it to your class.
This program is suitable for high school students.
Objectives: Students will be able to locate some of the major ports of call during the Shackleton expedition. Students will determine those characteristics Shackleton possessed that made him a leader and understand the consequences his decisions on the lives of his crew.
Previewing Activity:
Before your students watch the A&E original movie, Shackleton, have them locate London and Plymouth, England; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Grytviken whaling station, South Georgia Island; The Antarctic Circle and the South Pole, Antarctica on a world map. Have them conduct preliminary research on the geography and climate of each location to determine how weather affected the expedition (visit weather.com for current weather conditions).
Viewing Activity:
As your students watch Shackleton, have them create timelines of pivotal and dramatic events that occur during the calamitous expedition. Under each event have them write what decision was made and the effect each had on the rest of the expedition.
Postviewing Activity:
The Shackleton expedition was well documented through photos and journal entries. Using information found in the resources provided in this guide as well as other resources you may find, compile your own story of what it would have been like to be a part of this expedition. Be sure to include factors such as weather in your story.
Vocabulary
Discussion Questions
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Before leaving Britain, Ernest Shackleton had to raise funds to support his voyage. How do the media and the impending war affect Shackleton’s efforts to finance his expedition?
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One dispute between Shackleton and the Royal Geographical Society concerning “the advancement of knowledge” is whether discovery and national pride or science will be the greater priority on the Antarctic expedition. Which value does each hold as the more important one? Which do you see as being more important? Which do you think was more important in England in 1914? Why?
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In their meeting, the King of England says to Ernest Shackleton “It is a terrible thing to be responsible for the lives of so many.” What meaning does this statement have for each of them?
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At Grytviken whaling station, upon learning how difficult the weather will be, Shackleton states “Going back to England isn’t possible, so I guess we’ll have to settle for very difficult.” Later, when the ENDURANCE is stuck in the ice McNeish says “You don’t know explorers – he’ll not turn back, he can’t afford to.” What are the reasons that Shackleton and other explorers might be so averse to turning back?
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Do you agree with the decisions Shackleton made? Explain why or why not.
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Something about relationships and Shack’s ability to lead?
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When deciding what photographs to keep, Frank Hurley states “Well, she’s (the ENDURANCE) what I see now.” What might he have meant, and why was it so important to have a photographer on the voyage?
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When the crew is forced to leave the ship and travel by sled, Shackleton forces “Chippy” McNish to leave his cat behind. What is the reason for this decision and what action does McNeish take as a result of this decision?
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As food becomes scarce and the traveling difficult, the men start to become paranoid of one another. Provide specific examples of when this happened and discuss the steps taken to overcome this obstacle.
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Even though the ENDURANCE sinks Shackleton claims that he maintains his authority. What basis does he provide for his continued claim to authority?
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When it was clear that the lives of the men of the expedition may be in danger, the Prime Minister of England proposed the formation of the “Trans-Atlantic Expedition Relief Committee.” Why was this the course of action pursued? Was this the best course of action to save the men? What other action could have been taken?
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What qualities did Shackleton demonstrate as the leader of this expedition? Describe a scene or moment from the film that best illustrates each of the qualities you identify.
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Early in part 1, Shackleton claims that his family motto is “By endurance we conquer.” Later, he writes to his wife “I have done it. Damn the admiralty – not a life lost, and we have been through hell.” How do Shackleton and his men fail? How do they succeed?
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Why has the story of Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition become so legendary, despite the fact that Shackleton did not achieve his initial goal of crossing the continent?
Extended Activities
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Using a world map, have students determine the latitude and longitude of each location listed in the pre-viewing activity (you may want to select a particular spot on the Antarctic Circle). Calculate the total distance traveled by Shackleton and his crew.
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Put together a proposal to present to the class (imagine them as potential sponsors of the expedition) about an expedition you would like to conduct. Include in the proposal the expected dates the expedition will take place, how much it will cost, the supplies you will need, the number of crew or staff, mode of transportation, reason for conducting the expedition, and what you hope to find. You may wish to include diagrams, maps or other items in your proposal.
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Create an ad or brief editorial requesting men to join the Shackleton expedition.
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When discussing the obstacles to his voyage, Shackleton says “It is always hard, because what I do seems unreasonable to other men.” Name some other contributors to human history who’s ideas and journeys seemed unreasonable to their contemporaries. What did these people contribute?
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