3. Journey to the end of the Earth - Class 12 - Vistas

BhashaLab
Jul 30
4 min read

Updated: Aug 1

Author: Tishani Doshi

Textbook Name and Genre: Vistas / Travelogue

Summary

In this reflective travelogue, Tishani Doshi shares her experience of visiting Antarctica aboard the Russian research vessel Akademik Shokalskiy. Her journey spans across nine time zones, and she describes the surreal experience of stepping onto the vast, icy continent. She introduces readers to the geological history of Antarctica, tracing it back to Gondwana—an ancient supercontinent. The continent’s extreme climate, isolation, and landscape devoid of human activity offer a profound perspective on Earth’s past and future.

Doshi also discusses the human impact on the environment and the urgency of addressing climate change. She highlights the role of the "Students on Ice" programme in educating youth about the fragility of ecosystems. Through examples like the phytoplankton food chain, she explains how small environmental changes can have massive ripple effects. A memorable moment of walking on the ocean underlines the interconnectedness of life. The chapter emphasizes Antarctica’s importance in understanding climate, evolution, and the need for global awareness.

Character Sketch (Not Applicable)

This is a first-person travelogue. No characters are fictionalised or developed.

Themes

Theme	Description
Climate Change	Highlights the dangers of global warming and the importance of Antarctica.
Geological History	Shows Earth’s evolution from Gondwana to present-day continents.
Human Impact on Nature	Emphasizes how human activity is altering Earth’s climate.
Education and Awareness	Praises initiatives like Students on Ice that raise youth consciousness.
Interconnectedness	Illustrates how even microscopic organisms affect global balance.

✨ Literary Devices / Poetic Devices

Device	Example / Explanation
Imagery	“walking into a giant ping-pong ball” evokes the emptiness of Antarctica
Metaphor	Phytoplankton as a metaphor for the importance of small things
Hyperbole	“Days go on and on” to describe 24-hour daylight
Personification	Ice “calving,” “living, breathing, salt water”
Irony	Humans have existed for a short time but caused massive damage to nature

Title Justification

The title Journey to the End of the Earth is both literal and metaphorical. Literally, the author travels to Antarctica, the southernmost and most remote continent. Metaphorically, the journey reflects a deeper exploration of Earth’s past, climate, and humanity’s future. The phrase captures the sense of awe, isolation, and urgency felt during the trip. Through this journey, readers are encouraged to look beyond their immediate surroundings and reflect on the planet's delicate balance.

One-Mark Questions

What is Gondwana, and why is it important in the essay?
Gondwana was a supercontinent that existed millions of years ago, which included present-day India and Antarctica. Understanding Gondwana helps trace the Earth’s geological history.
What does the author feel upon arriving in Antarctica?
She feels relief and wonder at the vast, white landscape. The view stirs thoughts about Earth's ancient history and evolution.
Why is Antarctica considered ‘pristine’?
It is the only continent that has never sustained a human population. This makes it a perfect site for studying untouched environmental conditions.
What is the significance of phytoplankton?
Phytoplankton are crucial to the Southern Ocean’s food chain. They perform photosynthesis and influence the global carbon cycle.
Why is climate change discussed in the chapter?
The essay highlights Antarctica’s role in studying global warming. Visible changes like melting glaciers prove that climate change is real and dangerous.

Three-Mark Questions

How does Antarctica help us understand Earth’s past, present, and future?Antarctica holds ancient ice layers that trap carbon records from half a million years ago. These records help scientists study climate patterns over time. Its geography, being part of the ancient Gondwana landmass, offers insights into tectonic movements and evolution. The continent’s untouched ecosystem acts as a natural lab. Observing changes here reveals how small environmental shifts can affect the entire planet.
What is the purpose of the Students on Ice programme, and how does it impact students?
The programme takes high school students to Antarctica to expose them to the realities of climate change. It aims to create awareness and respect for nature at an early age. Students observe firsthand the melting glaciers and collapsing ice shelves. This visual and emotional experience fosters responsibility and idealism. It prepares future decision-makers to act wisely for the planet.
What message does the essay give about human responsibility toward nature?
The essay warns that human activities have drastically altered Earth in a short time. Rapid urbanisation and fossil fuel consumption are harming the planet. By highlighting the role of phytoplankton, it shows how small changes can cause large disruptions. The author encourages awareness and conservation. We must take action now to ensure a sustainable future.

Value-Based Question

What can we learn from Tishani Doshi’s journey about our role in protecting the environment?

The journey teaches us to value the delicate balance of Earth’s ecosystems. By witnessing the raw beauty and vulnerability of Antarctica, we realise the urgency of tackling climate change. It reminds us that our actions, even small ones, have far-reaching effects. Awareness, education, and respect for nature are the keys to saving our planet. We must act not just as individuals, but as a global community, to preserve Earth for future generations.

End

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