I read a lot of travel books before I came here. Fantasised what it would be like. I read Scott's journal. Those last entries as they froze to death in that tent. 'Had we lived, I should have made a tale to tell of the hardihood, endurance and courage of my companions which would have stirred the heart of every Englishman.' I got totally caught up in the romance.""Scott was a self-aggrandising dick.
The narrator reflects on their fascination with travel literature, particularly captivated by the story of Scott and his ill-fated expedition. They mention reading Scott's journal, especially poignant entries where he and his team faced their last moments in a freezing tent. The narrator feels drawn to the adventure's romantic elements, imagining the bravery and resilience that could have made for a remarkable tale had they survived.
However, the narrator offers a critical perspective on Scott himself, describing him as a self-absorbed figure who lacked genuine humility. This contrast highlights the tension between the allure of exploration and the reality of the individuals involved, suggesting that while the adventures can be romanticized, the personalities behind them can be less admirable.
