The Frozen Deep by Wilkie Collins (hosted by Lori)

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Oh good! It struck me as I was reading 😂 And I'm so pleased that Wilkie Collins kept it in this rewrite! As you say, we need the comic relief.

[Lee]

How could I have missed that! It does sound like Dickens!

[Lori]

Summary 8
Scene - The Hut of the Sea-Mew
Ch 8


The officers of the Wanderer along with Captain Helding approach the hut of the Sea-mew in high spirits at the possibility of change with a heavy-browed, dark, sullen man slower behind with an air of indifference - Richard Wardour. Frank approaches Wardour making an effort to be civil knowing he is Crayford’s friend. However, that backfired as Wardour commented that he likes being here because there are no women!

Captain Helding speaks to the two crews explaining their purpose of dispatching an exploring party in search of help. Recounting that after 2 years, they have suffered many hardships - destruction of both ships, deaths of brave men, battles with ice and snow and boundless desolation. Since they are located beyond where anyone searching for them might look, they must attempt to get themselves out of this before winter and the provisions run out.

The plan is to set out a detachment of able men to make way to an inhabited settlement. Volunteers won’t be accepted because everyone wants to go and no-one wants to remain with the sick.

Wardour is still sullen and silent and when asked declares that going or staying is all the same to him.

It is decided to roll dice and let chance decide - under 6 stay and over 6 go. All are in agreement.

Captain Helding - go
Lieutenant Crayford - stay
Richard Wardour - carelessly rolls 6 which means he can roll again. Looking at Frank, Wardour tells him to cast again for him. He rolls a 2 so Wardour stays.

Frank Aldersley - go

[Lori]

Casting Lots - James Mahoney

[Lee]

The dice rolling is a puzzle to me and not convincing. Franklin was a very religious man, and the ships had stowed Bibles for their expedition. So far there has been no mention of God or of prayer. Rolling dice is the ultimate surrender to absolute chance.

For such a momentous decision as whether to be among those who leave the ship in hopes of finding rescue, would the men not have consulted the Bible and asked for the protection of Providence?

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Lori told us at the beginning that the initial performance was at Tavistock House, and Charles Dickens took the role of Richard Wardour. The character was just a name to us then, but what a "heavy-browed, dark, sullen man" we can now see he is! How Dickens must have loved to immerse himself in this role (whereas Wilkie Collins played the sunny-tempered Frank Aldersley.)

And remember both men had to grow beards for the performance? There was a panel about this in the exhibition I went to last week, and it said they used to have competitions as to who could grow a thicker beard. Dickens teased the younger man Collins, for his thin, weedy efforts!

And this is from an interesting British Library (therefore accurate) blog post. The play was to be in 1856:

"in 1853 Dickens (sporting moustache and ‘Newgate Fringe’ (hair under the chin) was travelling in Italy with Wilkie Collins and Augustus Egg who, in the spirit of competition were both attempting to cultivate facial hair: “Collins’s moustache is gradually developing … He smooths it down over his mouth, in imitation of the present great Original …” Dickens compares Egg’s to those of the Witches in Macbeth and expresses chagrin that his valet has also begun to grow one.

Dickens’ friend John Forster took especial issue with the new moustache and called for a portrait of the author which he’d had commissioned to be delayed because of the ‘hideous disfigurement’. He mistakenly assumed it was a mere passing fancy on Dickens’ part but, as portraits from the time suggest, it was a stepping stone to greater things; the moustache foreshadowed the beard.

When friends expressed concern that it aged him, and disguised his precious expressions, Dickens responded that "the beard saved him the trouble of shaving, and much as he admired his own appearance before he allowed his beard to grow, he admired it much more now, and never neglected, when an opportunity offered, to gaze his fill at himself”. He also joked that some people liked it because it meant they saw less of him."
https://blogs.bl.uk/untoldlives/2012/...

[Lori]

Lee wrote: "The dice rolling is a puzzle to me and not convincing. Franklin was a very religious man, and the ships had stowed Bibles for their expedition. So far there has been no mention of God or of prayer...."

A very perceptive comment, Lee. One that I hadn't considered and now that I've delved a bit into Wilkie Collin's religious background, it may lend some perspective.

Wilkie's parents were devout and he was brought up in the church and his mother was strict and remember that his father intended for Wilkie to become a clergyman which he was not interested in. Wilkie did not espouse any particular faith and even though he did say he believed in Jesus.

In 1852 Wilkie Collins wrote to his friend and colleague Edward Pigott: “I make no claim to orthodoxy. I am neither a protestant, a catholic nor a dissenter. I do not desire to discuss this or that particular creed but I believe Jesus Christ to be the Son of God.

However, he did stray from his upbringing and would voice his own opinions that were not as devout as his parents. His beliefs altered as he aged and he became more of a freethinker.

There are articles online to read about Wilkie's religious beliefs if you're interested in that.

I would posit that this chapter was definitely construed by Collins as it does not reflect any religious tone. As we know, Dickens did highly influence this originally written 3 act play (and we are reading the rewritten novella so much more Collin's work) so hopefully we will be able to yet see Dickens' Christian influence as the story progresses. The latter part of the novella is very similar to the play so we can surmise that Wilkie didn't completely eliminate Dicken's influence.

I hope that answers any doubt or concern you had over this chapter, Lee.

The quote above is from this article from the Wilkie Collins Society website:
https://wilkiecollinssociety.org/wilk...

[Lori]

Bionic Jean wrote: "Lori told us at the beginning that the initial performance was at Tavistock House, and Charles Dickens took the role of Richard Wardour. The character was just a name to us then, bu..."

Jean, this is absolutely marvelous! I can just imagine the fun and hijinks that growing a beard would encompass. Such a competition that wound these men up with a beard and no more shaving!! HA! This was an excellent find from the museum. Thank you so much for sharing it!

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Here's a bit more about the 3 of them: Charles, Wilkie and Augustus Egg. Charles Dickens's letter to his sister-in-law Georgina Hogarth on 25th October 1853 says that their moustaches were:

"more distressing, more comic, more sparse and meagre ... than anything that nature produces"

So he decided to shave off his beard, leaving just a moustache, which he wrote to her "now looks enormous!"

Presumably they got better at it in the intervening two years, so at least Charles Dickens could produce a reasonable crop, even if Wilkie Collins's was still a bit weedy. (He certainly made up for it later LOL!)

It's priceless, isn't it? 😂

[Lori]

🤣 This is definitely a priceless story! Fabulous!

What’s so funny to me is these were not teenagers trying to grow a beard but two grown men with full capabilities!

[Connie]

Jean and Lori, I'm enjoying all the information about the friendly competition with growing beards. In the Arctic, all the men must have wanted thick beards to help keep them warm. I would imagine that all the actors in the play would have to grow one to look authentic like in the "Casting Lots" illustration that you posted.

[Lori]

Summary 9
Scene - The Hut of the Sea-Mew
Ch 9

Lieutenant Crayford wakens Wardour wishing to speak to him about his behavior earlier. He questions why he is the only man indifferent to being rescued. Softening his manner, Wardour remembers the first night they set sail when Crayford discovered Wardour in tears during his watch. Wardour admits he would have quarreled with another man but for the tone of Crayford’s voice softened his heart he disclosed a disappointment that had broken him. (That of the wretchedness caused by women.)

Wardour explains his devotion, patience, humility and worship he gave a woman who accepted it easily and matter of factly. He continues by telling of the dangers he risked in the swamps of Africa so that he could be promoted for her. She had told me that night that another man had robbed me of her and I spoke of revenge against the man. Wardour does not know who the man is but plans to be patient and wait for the time that the two of them will meet face to face.

Wardour believes it is fate that will keep him alive and staying behind or going on the exploring mission will not change anything. He will be brought together someday with this man and he will live for it to happen. He trembled with thoughts of the superstition he possessed.

Crayford speaks of his belief in Wardour’s better nature and how he would never have believed he could express himself in this way. Begging Wardour to let the revenge go and not become a man he can’t ever admire. Crayford’s influence softened the harsh Wardour who says he doesn’t deserve his kindness.

Wanting to get some physical work accomplished to take his mind off of his thoughts of revenge, Bateson enters with an ax to chop Frank’s bed. Wardour jumps at the opportunity to do it for him so he can tire his body and rest his mind.

[Bridget]

The end of this chapter felt ominous. Wardour is talking about his broken heart, and I’m thinking he’s going to name Clara as the woman responsible, and all the pieces will come together for Crayford . . . and THEN an axe turns up on stage. Love the suspense!

Frank, rolling the dice for Wardour, was a nice touch. An echo of how their lives are entwined.

[Sam]

I like how Collins is continuing to suspend the confrontation between Richard and Frank. Less experienced writer's would have rushed that confrontation. Collins has drawn it out to where if no confrontation takes place we will still be satisfied since other priorities have come up and the reader's need for such confrontation ebbs with each moment it is delayed while the author discusses a more pressing issue.

[Lori]

Bridget wrote: "The end of this chapter felt ominous. Wardour is talking about his broken heart, and I’m thinking he’s going to name Clara as the woman responsible, and all the pieces will come together for Crayfo..."

Can you imagine, there’s an ax, this man is talking about revenge, he doesn’t know his rival is here with him, but we do! Yes, Bridget, very, very ominous!

I do appreciate Wardour’s softening here and Crayford seems to be the one person who can bring that out in him. I find it remarkable that Wardour does not fear dying as the other men do. He believes so strongly that his purpose is to be united with his rival and until that happens, he won’t die! Sounds rather superstitious to me.

[Lori]

Sam wrote: "I like how Collins is continuing to suspend the confrontation between Richard and Frank. Less experienced writer's would have rushed that confrontation. Collins has drawn it out to where if no conf..."

I am amazed as well, Sam. That is an excellent point you make. Collins wrote/rewrote this after Dickens’ death. I wonder if the suspending the confrontation was Collins or Dickens. If I find out in my research, I’ll let you know.

[Lee]

I find it an absolute mystery how 2 writers, both passionate about their art, could work together on the same project! And they remain friends, if my memory is correct. I couldn’t do it. And view how “protective” each of us, admittedly or not, is about our book reviews!

[Lori]

Summary 10
Scene - The Hut of the Sea-Mew
Ch 10

Richard Wardour gets to work with the ax chopping the bed while commiserating over his predicament. Suddenly he noticed some letters cut into the wood. They looked like C L A which caused him irritation at the thought of her name of all names! Ashamed of his outburst, he continues his work.

More carving - F and A.

He was not certain of what he saw or what he was thinking.

F A - must be Frank Aldersley.

More carving, two more letters - C B.

Those must be his sweetheart!

A spasm of inner pain showed the shadow of its mysterious passage, outwardly on his face.

C. B. Clara Burnham. He repeated it over and over.

Something of rage and terror came over Wardour and he could no longer wield his ax to work as his hands trembled incessantly. His thoughts terrified him.

Shouting for Crayford to come to go hunting, no one came.

After some time, another change came over Wardour. An unnatural, deforming smile spread devilishly over his face. He had finally found the man here at the end of the world.

He turned and saw Crayford with a man standing behind him. It was Frank Aldersley!

[Connie]

"A smile--a horrid, deforming, unnatural smile--spread slowly, stealthily, devilishly over his face. He left the fire; he put the ax away in a corner; he sat down in his old place, deliberately self-abandoned to a frenzy of vindictive joy. He had found the man!"

I'm enjoying Wilkie Collins' Gothic writing in Chapter 10. Wardour seems so diabolical that Dickens must have relished playing such a demonic role!

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Oh my goodness, things are really coming to a head now!

And what a powerful image, to have an axe as the device which reveals the truth! An axe has a resonance all of its own. It's masterful writing, and I agree Connie, Charles Dickens would relish acting this diabolic scene.

I can imagine him standing in front the the mirror, living the part of Richard Wardour in his mind (as his method always was) and and relishing his own expressions. 😈

[Wendy]

I've also been enjoying the drama in the last few chapters, and now that I know Dickens played the dour Wardour, I can't stop picturing him in that role either. He's a puzzling presence, and I have been second-guessing how I'm supposed to feel about him -- maybe because Crayford seems to like him so much. But that last bit with the ax and the grin clinches it for me. Watch out, Frank!

[Laura]

I've been wanting to participate all week, but I had a procedure on my back on Monday, then slept for 16 hours (do you think they sedated me enough?), then still out of it a couple of days, but now I'm over everything, and have caught up on the reading, along with reading all the comments.

In chapter 9, Wardour is full of conviction that he will meet the man who stole his future wife. "There is a day of reckoning appointed between us. Here in the freezing cold, or away in the deadly heat..." Could this have anything to do with the premonition Clara had in the first chapter ("the heat")? At least it makes me wonder. Wardour states further justifying his belief: "What am I preserved for?"

However, the end of the chapter had the foreshadowing that something dark is lurking under his skin. "The evil spirit in him was plainly subdued-for the time, at least." Makes me wonder if the theme of good vs. evil conflict will begin; especially with that sinister grin Wardour had at the end of Chapter 10.

So excited for the confrontation to begin!

[Lori]

Connie wrote: ""A smile--a horrid, deforming, unnatural smile--spread slowly, stealthily, devilishly over his face. He left the fire; he put the ax away in a corner; he sat down in his old place, deliberately sel..."


I agree, Connie, that the gothic writing is excellent. We have had so many feels in this read from elation when the ships left, to curiosity over Clara's second sight, to humor and now an ominous and diabolical character. We all want to know what will transpire when these two men meet.

[Lori]

Bionic Jean wrote: "I can imagine him standing in front the the mirror, living the part of Richard Wardour in his mind (as his method always was) and and relishing his own expressions. 😈"

That would be priceless to see first hand!

And the axe revealing what we already know is spectacular. I'm loving this build up.

[Lori]

Wendy wrote: "He's a puzzling presence, and I have been second-guessing how I'm supposed to feel about him -- maybe because Crayford seems to like him so much."

I like what you say here, Wendy. We want to dislike Wardour as we know his temper and now his rage is revealing itself and is escalating. But Crayford has a soft spot for Wardour. He sees his soft side. Can we also take his thoughts and form a different view of Wardour as well?

Food for thought....

[Lori]

Laura wrote: "Makes me wonder if the theme of good vs. evil conflict will begin; especially with that sinister grin Wardour had at the end of Chapter 10. "

I do hope you are feeling better now, Laura. I hope all begins to heal well for you.

I think we all could see Dickens in that sinister grin at the end of Ch 10. What is he thinking? We can certainly surmise! It's not good.

I also like your thinking regarding good and evil. How in the world can this come out any other way than death as we have been promised revenge?

More food for thought...

[Lori]

Summary 11
Scene - The Hut of the Sea-Mew
Ch 11


Crayford and Aldersley notice a drastic change in Wardour’s demeanor thinking he’s hurt himself while using the ax. Wardour tries to cover his hand as if wounded claiming it was nothing to worry over.

Wardour speaks to Frank who wishes he weren’t as susceptible to fatigue and stronger like Wardour. Wardour claims men from Kent are made tough. Wardour then becomes interested in Frank’s connection to Kent and discovers that he knows the Burnhams. All the while Crayford is watching Wardour, aware of his motive in the questioning.

Wardour suddenly loses his self-control revealing his hand is not injured.

Another crew member enters with a report that an officer has had an accident on the ice.

Wardour continues his conversation with Frank speaking in the familiar way of Clara which astonishes Frank. The men begin to quarrel and Frank tells of his secret engagement to Clara. Wardour tries to restrain his temper and apologizes to Frank.

Wardour reveals that he was once like a brother to Clara. At the same time, Crayford has made the connection that this young woman must be the one Wardour told him about earlier - the one he had loved and lost. Secretly grateful that the dice have kept the two apart!

Captain Helding enters explaining that the injured officer will not be able to go with the exploring team. Wardour quickly volunteers. Crayford and Helding dispute whether Wardour should or should not be allowed to go. Wardour is approved by Captain Helding.

Crayford takes Frank aside and tries fervently to convince him due to his lack of strength to stay behind. Wardour becomes irritated by Crayford’s insistence and drags him away from Frank.

It is decided, that Frank and Wardour will both go on the exploring mission and Frank will have Wardour to help him!

Wardour snatches a gun and his dark face becomes illuminated with a terrible joy.

Crayford finally yields his insistence on separating the two men and is utterly helpless with thoughts of what might happen. Convincing himself that nothing would happen to Frank because he is so well-loved. He finally advises Frank to stay with the main body hoping he will not fall behind.

[Lori]

What a continuation of the scene Collins has given us. How are we feeling about the situation now that Wardour knows who his rival is?

[Lee]

Building to a climax here, but not yet. Interesting that Dickens has narrowed the epic tragedy of almost 200 men dying to a romantic contest of thwarted passion between two men. It is like applying a magnifying glass to show just one tragedy among what most likely was countless dramas and tragedies occurring simultaneously.

To me it makes the entire scenario easier to bear, with my thinking focused now on just Frank and Wardour. (Has anyone remarked upon the symbolism of the names of these two rivals? "War" & "dour" opposite "frank") ?

[Lori]

Lee wrote: "Building to a climax here, but not yet. Interesting that Dickens has narrowed the epic tragedy of almost 200 men dying to a romantic contest of thwarted passion between two men. It is like applying..."

Excellent point about the names, Lee! I love that the descriptors match the characters. Gloomy, bleak, sullen Wardour and sincere, friendly, matter-of-fact Frank.

[Laura]

Isn't that so Dickens, the names? Reminds me of the names of characters in Bleak House such as "Guppy" and "Talkinghorn"

To me this chapter was like a "teaser trailer". It just gives the smallest piece of what is to come. You still don't know the "how" but some of the "when" is given, the trip maybe?

[Lori]

Laura wrote: ".. To me this chapter was like a "teaser trailer". It just gives the smallest piece of what is to come. You still don't know the "how" but some of the "when" is given, the trip maybe?."

Exactly Laura! We are anticipating something awful to come but we don’t know what it could be. These men are going to search for help but what will happen?? Wardour appears to be the strongest man still but notice the mention of Frank’s strength- does he have the ability to make it?

Teaser trailer is perfect here!

[Lee]

I would like to note the very secular nature of this work so far. It shows the influence of the non-religious Wilkie Collins. Remember that the weight of 100 Bibles and 100 [Common] Prayer books were listed in the provisions, as well as about 70 unnamed books.

Yet other than a few exclamations noting the name of God and blessings offered in the name of safety, there are:

1. no prayers given either by the men remaining on board or the men leaving to look for rescuers (both parties living with the realization that after 2 years, they were all facing certain death.
2. No mention of the Bibles being opened. Small personal Bibles were in fashion then, which could be carried in coat pockets for reference. Yet the authors don't show the men in attitudes of reading the Bible.
3. No Biblical references within the text, and I might add, there are hundreds if not thousands in the Old and New Testaments, especially the Psalms, that would have been applicable here. And I will argue: the real men of the two ships would have leaned heavily on their faith to have survived these terrible years.
4. Why did Dickens allow Collins to avoid mention of providence, predestination or faith?

[Lori]

Lee,

I completely understand your queries and don't have any answers for you. Dickens was also having marital problems at this time and when he hired professional actors for the performances of this play to be held in the larger stage in Manchester, he met Ellen Ternan, the actress who would become his mistress. So Dickens was finishing writing Little Dorrit in Paris while handing over the reigns to Wilkie to write this play.

Are you planning on reading the 3 act play with the group when we finish this novella? We will have the final week of March to discuss the differences. There are some things that we can talk about then that might enlighten the differences in Dickens and Collins approaches to characters and themes that Dickens especially wanted to portray about the Franklin expedition that I can't get into just yet. I have several posts coming up toward the end that will provide more information in that regard.

I apologize for not knowing how to answer you here.

[Lori]

Summary 12
Scene - The Iceberg
Ch 12

The narrator describes the scene with the rising of the sun on the cold, snowy plains. There is ice moving slowly and an iceberg rears its pinnacles to the sky. There are signs of life on the iceberg and the outline of a boat sitting there. A dying fire flickers in an ice-cavern illuminating the figures of two men. One is seated and the other lies prostrate, head on the other man’s knee - sleeping or dead.

These men have fallen behind the rest of the crew and have been left alone. Richard Wardour sits thinking. Frank Aldersley lies sleeping or dead.

Wardour places his hand on Frank’s heart which still barely beats. He thinks that Frank may live if he gives him his share of the food. Neglect him and he dies. Frank is murmuring in his sleep - dreaming of the night he confessed his love to Clara.

A deadly thought comes over Wardour as they drift closer to the open sea. He can launch the boat, taking the food and fuel with him. Leave the man who has robbed him of his happiness.

He waits and thinks as the thoughts darken in his mind.

[Lori]

[Lori]

Polar Gothic Fiction

Looking at a scope of 19th-century British novels reveals just how much the Arctic permeated the culture. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818) is narrated from an Arctic expedition, Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre (1847) opens with Jane reading about Arctic bird life. George Eliot’s The Mill on the Floss (1860) draws a comparison with Arctic explorers. Charles Dickens refers to the North Pole in Great Expectations (1860) and Conrad in Heart of Darkness refers to the Arctic as “one of those particularly inviting blank spaces on the map.” Each example demonstrates the decade’s fascination with Arctic exploration. It is this widespread literary imagery of the Arctic that helps explain the popularity of The Frozen Deep. The play would be created based upon the ideas of exploration that had been in circulation and would have had special significance with its audience.

Even Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins would eventually incorporate aspects from The Frozen Deep into future novels: A Tale of Two Cities (1859) and No Name (1862). Like their contemporaries, they subtly used Arctic aesthetics to connect their novels with the culture’s obsession. There was a difference in how each man went about it, however. Dickens was attracted to Arctic exploration as a moral struggle and Collins saw the appeal as an image of quest and defeat.



https://www.jstor.org/stable/44372600...

[Lee]

Bible & religion mystery: “Sir John Franklin was a committed Christian. He was part of a movement within the Royal Navy that promoted religion to the crews.
He requested 100 Bibles, Testaments and Common Prayer Books for the journey. The Admiralty passed this onto the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge who agreed to supply them.
However, a later letter from Franklin cancelled the order as other societies and individuals had generously donated copies to the ships. ‘There is scarcely room for them on board,’ he wrote. “

[Franky]

Connie wrote: ""A smile--a horrid, deforming, unnatural smile--spread slowly, stealthily, devilishly over his face. He left the fire; he put the ax away in a corner; he sat down in his old place, deliberately sel..."

That quote pretty much says it all, doesn't it?

[Franky]

Sorry my work had me so busy of the course of the week but I'm going to try to catch up tomorrow if I can. Heading soon to chapter 11.

[Connie]

Even though there have not been any mentions about God, this is a story about morality. There is the main story about whether Wardour is going to harm or help Frank.

At the hut with the sick explorers, the crew did not abandon them and left some members to stay with them. How long can they hold out before the precious resources of food and fuel run so low that they start fighting about food?

[Lori]

Connie wrote: "Even though there have not been any mentions about God, this is a story about morality. There is the main story about whether Wardour is going to harm or help Frank.

At the hut with the sick expl..."

Thank you Connie for this excellent post. It is true that while it is written to be melodrama there is an underlying morality to this story. Laura has already brought up good vs evil themes and as we get closer and closer to the climactic end - we wonder what will prevail.

As you mention, we see men staying behind to nurse others and men leaving to risk their lives to save others and themselves.

And what about food?!? We know that John Want was making bone soup. What does that suggest?

We definitely have much to think about here.

[Lori]

We know what Wardour is thinking - save himself or????
Frank appears unable to move on in this image. We wonder how this can turn out? What will become of these men? Will the superstitious second sight of Clara come true? Or is there another possibility?

[Lori]

Summary 13
Scene - The Garden
Ch 13

The scene is now set in the garden at a villa on the shore of the Isle of Wight where a lady sits reading and a young girl paces by the moonlight. Mrs. Crayford has aged in the time since her husband’s departure due to sorrow and suffering. Clara no longer has the delicate, youthful glow. Both women are weary yet wild and restless. Clara, whose white figure glides as if a ghost, asks Lucy (Mrs. Crayford) to play something on the piano while she watches the sea.

It has been two years since the last news of the expedition, thus, all that interests them is to read every report coming from the Arctic region. Lucy does not see Clara anymore and stops playing to seek her young friend. She is distressed when Clara does not answer her call. Finally, she sees Clara standing still - motionless and cold as stone. She waits for Clara to come out of her cataleptic state.

Finally, Clara moves her hands upwards and she speaks as if she is talking in her sleep. In Clara’s glassy-eyed trance, she utters the words, “Frank! Don’t drop behind — don’t trust Richard Wardour.”

Now the vision changes to the iceberg while Clara calls to Frank to wake up. She groans in horror believing Frank is drifting to his death.

Now she is awake and coherent saying that she has had a dream and feels so weak. Mrs. Crayford is haunted by Clara’s words remembering the doctors say the cause is all of the reading about all of the dangers of the Arctic.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Lee wrote: "Bible & religion mystery: “Sir John Franklin was a committed Christian ..."

Yes, I tend to think that all (or most) English sailors would have a strong Christian faith in 1845. Also, as Connie and Lori have both pointed out, there is a strong ethical code underlying many of their actions: the comradeship, support, self-sacrifice and sharing for instance.

It strikes me that for many, religion is a personal thing. Perhaps the captains would expect each sailor to have their own, precious copy of the Bible with them? I know that for many people of this time, to have a tiny copy of the word of God on their person at all times, was reassuring: a sort of talisman. My grandfather (born a little later, in 1880) had one, and his friend had one with a bullet-hole through. It had saved his life in battle. Then they might have another Bible for reading and Bible study.

Careful storage (and protection from the elements) of hymn books would be a luxury if space was limited, as many would know hymns off by heart, and others would pick them up. And thinking practically again, I imagine that for most gatherings for worship the only large area would be on deck, exposed to the weather, so flimsy hymn books might not be such a good idea! Plus I know from experience that if you give a large group of children or young people books to sing from, their posture slumps, some hide their faces, and they do not sing in good voice! I used a projector for words actually, to keep their heads up and so they could breathe correctly, but these folk would be used to much repetition.

I think they would enjoy singing lustily, and gain a sense of comradeship from it, but perhaps it might be difficult to stage, and so - because it would be taken for granted as part of their life - it got left out of the novella as well? We don't see them praying, but then we don't see them eating or sleeping or getting dressed very much either.

Just an idea ...

I do think though that as Lori says, we should wait until the end before judging how moral this play/novella is.

[Lori]

Summary 14
Scene - The Garden
Ch 14

The next morning the day is bright and enjoyable.

Clara’s belief in her supernatural revelations gave her the worst forebodings of hope of seeing Frank again. Mrs. Crayford does not attempt to protest Clara’s fears. They sit in silence.

The bell rings at the time of day when the newspapers are brought from London each with her own copy to read of the despair. The ladies would rip them open to begin their daily routine. But not this time. Clara lay her newspaper aside and watched Mrs. Craygord open hers to the column devoted to the “Latest Intelligence from foreign parts”.

A cry of joy as there is news today!

Clara reads it aloud:

“A rescue vessel, Blythewood, has reported having met with surviving officers and men of the expedition. Many are said to be dead and others missing. The list of names of the living cannot be vouched for as completely correct.”

Captain Helding and Lieutenant Crayford are listed as safe and alive. Mrs. Crayford is joyous!

On the list of Dead or Missing are FRANCIS ALDERSLEY and RICHARD WARDOUR.

Clara bears the news with unnatural resignation saying she had prepared herself for this. She continues that Frank has paid the penalty with his life because Wardour has discovered the truth.

Mrs. Crayford attempts to sway Clara’s unreasonable response and to turn her mind to think better than that because there is no definite proof of death. However, Clara believes her vision more than the newspaper report and the possibility that Frank is only missing. She tries to get Clara to think about times when her “dreams” proved false. But that doesn’t change Clara’s mind. Mrs. Crayford resigns to giving up trying to defend her position to Clara.

[Lori]

Jane Franklin




Lady Jane Franklin (at age 37) became John Franklin’s second wife. Her husband became the governor of a penal colony in Australia called Van Diemen’s Land in 1836. Here Lady Franklin was greatly involved in the development of the colony and extremely passionate about science and education. She was an explorer and adventurer herself having traveled areas of North America, Asia, South Australia and New Zealand. She accompanied her husband around Greece and Africa in the Mediterranean. They only left this position because Franklin was to lead an Arctic expedition in 1845.

She devoted herself for many years to trying to find out the fate of her husband. She sponsored seven expeditions to search for him. She used her influence and money in the form of rewards in order to receive information. Because of her efforts further contributions to charting the Arctic were made. A newspaper at the time said, “What the nation would not do, a woman did.”

The British Navy began the first few searches but were unsuccessful. Lady Jane pushed for American involvement and eventually, she bought her own ship. She was a relentless instigator behind the search for her husband writing to newspapers, rallying helpers and other explorers, pushing government officials, and rousing public sympathy for her cause.

In 1859 Francis McClintock returned on her ship, the Fox, with news that Franklin had died within a year of the expedition. A message was found in a tin (preserved by permafrost) under a pile of rocks.


She is a central figure in three novels, Wanting by Richard Flanagan, The Arctic Fury by Greer Macallisterand The Exilesby Christina Baker Kline

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Fr...

[Lori]

Reward Poster from Lady Franklin

[Lori]

Message found in the tin by McClintock






Note found by Francis Leopold McClintock's Expedition team in a cairn on King William Island in 1859, detailing the fate of the Franklin Expedition. Written on a standard Admiralty form, there are two messages visible:

First message:
28 of May 1847 H.M.Ships Erebus and Terror Wintered in the Ice in Lat. 70°5'N Long. 98°.23'W Having wintered in 1846-7 at Beechey Island in Lat 74°43'28"N Long 91°39'15"W After having ascended Wellington Channel to Lat 77° and returned by the West side of Cornwallis Island. Sir John Franklin commanding the Expedition. All well

Second message:
25th April 1848 HMShips Terror and Erebus were deserted on the 22nd April 5 leagues NNW of this having been beset since 12th Sept 1846. The officers and crews consisting of 105 souls under the command of Captain F. R. M. Crozier landed here—in Lat. 69°37'42" Long. 98°41' This paper was found by Lt. Irving under the cairn supposed to have been built by Sir James Ross in 1831—4 miles to the Northward—where it had been deposited by the late Commander Gore in June (May is scratched out by the writer) 1847. Sir James Ross’ pillar has not however been found and the paper has been transferred to this position which is that in which Sir J. Ross’ pillar was erected—Sir John Franklin died on the 11th of June 1847 and the total loss by deaths in the Expedition has been to this date 9 officers and 15 men.—James Fitzjames Captain HMS Erebus F. R. M. Crozier Captain & Senior Offr And start on tomorrow 26th for Backs Fish River

Printed instructions to finder
(English:) WHOEVER finds this paper is requested to forward it to the Secretary of the Admiralty, London, with a note of the time and place at which it was found: or, if more convenient, to deliver it for that purpose to the British Consul at the nearest Port.


https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:...

[Lee]

Lori wrote: "Jane Franklin. She is a central figure in three novels, Wanting by Richard Flanagan, The Arctic Fury by Greer Macallister and The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline."

She is a matchless heroine....a woman of courage for the ages. Thanks, Lori, for the reference to books about her.