Sir John Franklin (1786 -1847)
In 1845, British naval officer Sir John Franklin departed England commanding an expedition to discover and navigate the Northwest Passage through the Canadian Arctic. Franklin was an experienced explorer who had previously participated in expeditions to the Arctic. His new expedition consisted of two ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, and 129 officers and men.
The expedition was among the best-equipped Arctic voyages of its time. The ships carried provisions intended to last several years, and Franklin's experience gave reason for confidence in the expedition's prospects. Nevertheless, the Arctic presented dangers that could not be fully anticipated. The ships became trapped in ice in September 1846. Franklin died in June 1847, and the surviving crew eventually abandoned the vessels in April 1848. None of the 129 men returned alive.
For years, the expedition's disappearance remained one of the great mysteries of exploration. The wreck of HMS Erebus was discovered in 2014, followed by HMS Terror in 2016.
Franklin and his crew demonstrated extraordinary determination by undertaking a dangerous expedition into a region that remained poorly understood by Europeans. Yet their fate raises difficult questions about courage and judgment.
Was their willingness to venture into the unknown an admirable demonstration of bravery? Or did their confidence in their preparation lead them to underestimate the dangers? The expedition's failure does not, by itself, establish that Franklin was reckless. Even carefully planned expeditions can encounter circumstances beyond their control.
Charles Darnay and Sir John Franklin entered dangerous circumstances with confidence in their ability to accomplish their objectives. Both had reasons for believing they could succeed. Yet both faced dangers that proved greater than they anticipated.
Darnay believed his honorable intentions would distinguish him from the aristocrats persecuted by the revolutionaries. Franklin believed his experience, ships, and provisions would enable his expedition to navigate the Arctic. Should we judge the courage of these men by the information available when they made their decisions, or by the consequences that followed?
Great literature should do more than entertain us. It should provide a roadmap to improving our lives.
In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens introduced readers to Sydney Carton, one of literature's most compelling and deeply flawed characters. Dickens also gives him an unusual title: the Jackal.
His struggles raise questions that remain relevant today.
Are we defined by our past mistakes? Can we overcome our weaknesses? What separates the people we are from the people we could become?
Lessons From the Jackal is a 25-day character study exploring these questions through Sydney Carton’s life, decisions, relationships, and personal development.
This is not a traditional course on A Tale of Two Cities. Our reading assignments will focus specifically on Carton, with sufficient background provided to understand his story. No previous knowledge of the novel is necessary.
Each day will feature selected readings, historical comparisons, reflection questions, discussions, and practical challenges ...
What is the greatest weakness in Darnay's decision to return to France?
“This favored the desperate resolution Charles Darnay had begun to make, that he would go to Paris.”
Charles Darnay has consistently attempted to distinguish himself from the cruelty and selfishness of his aristocratic ancestors. He has rejected the privileges associated with his inheritance and established a life based upon his own efforts. These decisions suggest that Darnay possesses a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Darnay appears to believe that because he has acted honorably, others will recognize his honorable intentions. He knows that France is experiencing unbelievable political turmoil, but he seems confident that his personal circumstances will distinguish him from the aristocrats whom the revolutionaries despise. This confidence may reflect his integrity. It may also reflect his naïveté.
Yet another man’s life is in danger. Darnay feels compelled to save Gabelle. So he prepares to travel to France.
“Yes. The Loadstone Rock was drawing him, and he must sale on, ...
