Nicoline's ideas to a short story

I want to write about Oates. With a first person narrator, writing the text like it was his thoughts. I would write the text from the information I was given from the diary. The text shall be about his feelings about the fact that the death is near and his fight for life and proudness. 

Sif's ideas of a short story

-       Who could be the main character?

Of course, Mr. Scott could be the main character, because we already know a lot about him, based on the text.

I would find it more interesting to have Oates or Bowers. There is not to much information about these men, so you can use your imagination a bit more, that if I choose Scott.

-       What kind of narrator would you choose?

I would chose a first person narrator. I find it a bit more interesting to read stories, when you also hear their thoughts.

-       What about the composition?

I would first talk about the expedition, and after talk about his life after death. What he would have achieved when he would come home, and how he would live the rest of his life.

-       What do you need to remember for the plot, the atmosphere, and the language?

The language shall fit to the historical time (the 1910's). The atmosphere must also fit for the one that you can read in the logbook.

Thea's ideas of a short story

Scott and Oates seem to be the best choices for main characters, since their thoughts and considerations are clearly described in the text. This gives basis for writing a more authentic story that is true to the diary.

On the other hand it seems to be quite boring to follow the diary completely. Stories always gets way funnier when you add spaceships, yeties, dragons and other spicy stuff.

Describe Oates’ death on March 16.-17. What were his last thoughts? How did he announce what he intended to do? Why did the others not stop him or go after him?

The day before Oates died, he proposed they should leave him in his sleeping-bag, but they could not do so. Instead they induced him to come on the afternoon march. But after some miles he could not go further. He slept through the night before, hoping not to wake up again, but he did. Instead he walked out of the tent, telling the others that he was “just going outside and it may be some time.” Since then they did not see him. The others didn’t stop him or go after him, because they knew that he had reached the point where he just wanted to die and they respected his wish.

Oates last thought were on his mother, but he also thought that his regiment would be proud of the way he faces his death.

What is the main concern of Scott at the very end?

Scott is concerned about his people and their health. 

He knows that they are getting weaker, but he also mention that they couldn’t be so far away from the goal. He wants to achieve his target, but at the same time he is worried about his men.

What does the text tell us about the moral ideas of explorers - of Scott’s and his men’s attitude to death, fame, honor, their country?

According to Scott's writing, the explorers seem very serene about the fact that they are going to die. They fight to the bitter end and die with dignity. 

Even though Scott knows that they are going to die, he keeps on writing this log book, because he expects that it will be found. Therefore he still tries to depict his men and himself as heroic men that will bring honor to England.

Sir Robert Falcon Scott

Describe the men’s situation in terms of:

a.     their physical surroundings:

The weather is very cold; the temperature was nearly -43°C.

b.     the state of their provisions:

They are low on food. They have to walk a long way to get new provisions.

c.      their physical condition:

Because of the cold weather, some of the mens toes froze of.

d.     their mental condition:

It is not only their bodies the cold is after; it also effects their minds. One of the only thing they think of, is surviving, and walking to the very end.

Make a list of the men who accompany Scott on his expedition and keep track of their fates.

Robert Falcon Scotts men:

Captain Titus Oate - he died from the cold. He was in a very bad condition, so he wants to be left behind, so he wouldn't slower the other.

Wilson - "he could not get off ski for some time." (March 14th)

Bowers - a guy who was strong enough to help Scott with the camp (March 14th).

Robert Falcon Scott and his men

Who is he writing for?

Scott is probably writing this log book because he expects that he will be the first man to reach the South Pole. This will make him famous and then he can publish the book so other exploration-interested people can read about his many adventures.

Furthermore the log book is meant for scientists to read and see how the conditions are on the South Pole.

What characterizes Scott’s writing style?

Scott writes in present style and in short sentences.
He describes everything in details, especially the weather. He uses many adjectives and this gives a better view in his thoughts.
As time goes by and the situation becomes more critical Scotts tone turns more religious and frustrated.

What is the genre of the text?

The text is non-fiction. It is a log book, that is written by Captain Robert Falcon Scott during his journey of exploration to the South Pole.