75 pages • 2 hours read
The Terror
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Chapters 44-59Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of ableism, death by suicide, suicidal ideation and self-harm, graphic violence, illness, death, and physical abuse.
Chapter 44 Summary: “Goodsir”
Dr. Goodsir writes that the crew halted their southward march to allow Fitzjames to die in relative peace. They set up their tents, lit a coal stove for warmth, and cooked warm food—an unusual luxury at this point.
Though Fitzjames has scurvy like many of the others, Goodsir suspects the man is also suffering from severe food poisoning. Fitzjames dies on June 6th and is buried with military honors. Afterward, Crozier privately asks Goodsir whether Fitzjames may have been poisoned by the captain’s current steward, Aylmore, who had been serving the officers’ meals. Goodsir replies that it could have been deliberate poison or botulism from spoiled food. Crozier says that everyone will be taken off canned rations except Aylmore.
Chapter 45 Summary: “Blanky”
On June 18th, Blanky struggles to keep pace with the other survivors, as the creature’s attack months prior has left him needing to use a makeshift wooden leg. He’s on his third due to the rough terrain, and this one finally breaks as well, leaving him immobilized and in pain from worsening gangrene in his stump. He decides to stay behind and takes a seat on a boulder.
Crozier and the carpenter, Mr. Honey, find him. After some pushing, Crozier realizes Blanky’s decision to remain behind is final.
