Merriam Webster dictionary defines a “hero” as a person admired for achievements and noble qualities. Dictionary.com states that a “hero” is a person noted for courageous acts or nobility of character. Benny Bernstein considers a “hero” to be a powerful figure who is respected and makes decisions not only for his benefit but also for others. According to all three definitions, Sir Ernest Shackleton, was most definitely a hero. “Although tortured by worry, he remained outwardly unperturbed.” It took an immense amount of skill to fight through the unexpectedly long journey of Shackleton’s expedition. When you have no hope, you turn to your captain and if he shows fear you get frightened. Shackleton knew this and understood that he couldn’t …show more content…
He must always persevere no matter what obstacle is in front of him. This was true with Ernest Shackleton. When their boat got stuck in the ice, Shackleton and his crew stuck to their mission. They waited and waited, not giving up hope that their boat could escape the Antarctic ice. Finally the boat got smashed by the ice, but they continued on foot carrying a heavy load of provisions, equipment and two lifeboats. With this load, they also had to look after sixty-nine dogs. To make matters worse, the ice was melting forcing them to move from ice floe, to ice floe. During this journey, they had many speed bumps, for example, at one point someone fell into the water and at another time, Shackleton got separated from the group on a different fjord. Furthermore, a seaman, whose job was to take the Endurance, to Antarctica and return to England, started to rebel against Shackleton. Through all of this Shackleton did not give up hope and he persevered.
In conclusion, Sir Ernest Shackleton was a hero. He took a risk by exploring the unknown and failed, but he did not give up. Years later he set out once more to conquer Antarctica. This time he died trying, but he died doing the thing he loved. His resilience and determination earned him the title of a hero. This title lives with him