Examples Of Mental Strength In The Voyage Of The James Caird

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Mental strength can change the perspective of a survival situation, making it very valuable in the psychology of surviving. Mental strength, as seen in Caroline Alexander’s “The Voyage of the James Caird,” can seem as the only way the crew of the James Caird truly made it to their destination. When the crew found reassurance of nearby land they felt more at ease,“Cape Pigeons such as they had admired so many months before at Grytviken […] whose presence hinted at land.” (Alexander 187). The crew of the James Caird may have not been as optimistic if they did not spot these birds and used them as a symbol of survival. In “The Value of a Sherpa Life” many accounts of Sherpa mistreatment and endangerment is recalled. Sherpas are described as “Everest’s …show more content…

In the entirety of “The Voyage of the James Caird” the crew endures many physical discomforts but are accommodated, wherein the reader is not fully enlightened on the thoughts going through other crew member’s minds. Worsley states “ ‘ The carpenter was suffering particularly, but he showed grit and spirit.’ McNish appears to have endured each day’s developments with his customary and dour, matter-of-fact forbearance; he has not been born to a life that had promised things easy.” (Alexander 185). As Alexander continues Worsley’s account, she venteratea how McNish was respected because of his ability to develop new ways to succeed in survival. While in “The Value of a Sherpa Life,” the reader learns how the Sherpas are more-so skilled mentally than physically. “Sherpas are a Nepalease ethnic group famous for their superior mountaineering skills. Companies that run expeditions up the mountain often employe Sherpas to guide climbers.” (Schaffer 217). This passage explains why mentally equipped Sherpas are hired rather than one who is physically equipped; it is more valuable to the ability to navigate through a terrain instead of having a physical strength, not know how to navigate and then possibly encountering danger. It can be believed that in “Night,” the Jews truly felt God choose them to endure such …show more content…

Through the “James Caird,” the reader sees how the crew was treated with deep thought and care, “Whenever he [Shackleton] noticed that a man seemed extra cold and shivered, he would immediately order another hot drink of milk to be prepared and served to all. He never let the man know that it was on his account, lest he became nervous about himself.” (Alexander 184). While reading this passage the account of how Shackleton took how his actions would affect his crew directly he took cautious efforts to are for his men that would help them survive and keep their dignity. If Sherpas were treated with more compassion and their comfort was taken into consideration, it can be predicted that more Sherpas would be alive today. Though the job of a Sherpa is a choice, “ [...] The amount of time that Sherpas spend making laps through the deadly Khumbu Icefall and up the Lhotse Face, ferrying loads for predominantly western expeditions so that clients can arrive fresh and minimize their exposure to hazardous amount of the mountain.” (Schaffer 218). Through reading how Sherpas are not given the appropriate accommodations to safely work can possibly explain why undervalued Sherpas are dying at rapid rates. While reviewing “Night,” the important theme of family can also be seen as an important theme of compassion. Out of the many passages, the

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