What does Walton want to discover in the Arctic? This question has intrigued readers since the publication of “The Narrative of the Arctic Expedition” by Sir John Franklin. The story revolves around the ill-fated voyage of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, led by Sir John Franklin, and the subsequent search for his missing crew by Captain Sir John Ross and Captain Francis Rawdon Moira Crozier. At the heart of this tale lies the enigmatic desire of Sir John Franklin to uncover the secrets of the Arctic, a quest that would ultimately lead to tragedy.
The Arctic has long been a source of fascination for explorers and scientists alike. It is a region shrouded in mystery, with its extreme temperatures, treacherous icebergs, and uncharted territories. For Sir John Franklin, the Arctic held the promise of a new route to the Pacific Ocean, a discovery that could revolutionize trade and shorten the journey between Europe and Asia. However, his primary motivation was not solely the pursuit of a new maritime passage but also the desire to expand the boundaries of human knowledge.
In the early 19th century, the Arctic was a blank canvas on the map of the world. The region’s geography, climate, and wildlife were largely unknown. Franklin’s expedition aimed to fill in these gaps and contribute to the scientific understanding of the Arctic. He sought to gather data on the ice conditions, weather patterns, and the distribution of flora and fauna in the region. By doing so, he hoped to pave the way for future explorers and researchers to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Arctic.
Moreover, Franklin’s quest for discovery was driven by a sense of national pride and competition with other European powers. The race to explore and map the Arctic was intense, with countries like Russia, the United States, and Britain all vying for dominance. Franklin’s expedition was a testament to the British Empire’s ambition to assert its influence over the region and secure its place as a global superpower.
However, the expedition’s fate was sealed by a series of misfortunes. The ships became trapped in the ice, and the crew faced unimaginable hardships, including extreme cold, scurvy, and starvation. Despite their best efforts, Franklin and his men perished, leaving behind a legacy of tragedy and a host of unanswered questions. The search for their remains and the truth behind their fate became a quest in itself, captivating the imagination of generations.
In conclusion, what Sir John Franklin wanted to discover in the Arctic was a combination of scientific knowledge, a new maritime passage, and national prestige. His expedition aimed to unravel the mysteries of the region and contribute to the advancement of human understanding. However, the tragic outcome of the voyage serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers and challenges faced by explorers in their quest for discovery.
