Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 4 Journey to the end of the Earth

Author: Tishani Doshi
Book: Vistas (Supplementary Reader – Class 12 English CBSE)
Genre: Travelogue, Non-fiction
Theme: Climate Change, Environmental Awareness, Human History and Evolution, Fragility of Ecosystems

Summary of Journey to the End of the Earth

Journey to the End of the Earth is a reflective travelogue written by Indian author and poet Tishani Doshi, detailing her voyage to Antarctica aboard the Russian research vessel Akademik Shokalskiy. The narrative focuses on her awe-inspiring experience of visiting one of the most remote and pristine places on Earth, and how it made her deeply reflect on the history of the planet, climate change, and human evolution.

The journey starts from Madras (Chennai) and eventually leads her to Antarctica. She describes the extreme conditions, the immense ice shelves, the vast silence, and the surreal landscapes. Through this, Doshi emphasizes how Antarctica is a window into the past – a continent that helps scientists understand Earth’s history, including its geological formations, ancient climates, and how continental drift has shaped the world.

She also explores how the current climate crisis is endangering Antarctica. The melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, and loss of biodiversity are signs of how human activity is affecting even the most untouched parts of the planet.

A significant part of the narrative is the presence of high school students on the journey, as part of a programme called “Students on Ice.” The author believes this initiative is important because it sensitizes young people to environmental issues and gives them a first-hand experience of ecological balance and the urgent need to preserve it.

Central Ideas of the Story

• Climate Awareness: The book serves as a wake-up call about the deteriorating condition of Earth’s environment and how Antarctica is a crucial indicator of this change.

• Human Evolution and History: It traces how we came to exist through continental drift, and how small changes in Antarctica can lead to massive effects across the globe.

• Importance of Youth Education: Programs like “Students on Ice” are vital in shaping a generation that understands the importance of ecological conservation.

• Fragility of Nature: The pristine, untouched beauty of Antarctica highlights how fragile our ecosystems are and how they must be protected.

Character Sketch

Tishani Doshi (Narrator):

• Curious, observant, and reflective.

• She experiences a personal transformation by witnessing the untouched grandeur of Antarctica.

• Concerned about environmental issues and aware of humanity’s impact on the planet.

Geoff Green (Leader of Students on Ice):

• Founder of the educational expedition program.

• Believes in experiential learning and involving youth in climate issues.

• A visionary who hopes to inspire environmental consciousness in future generations.

Important Questions and Answers

Q1. Why did the author go to Antarctica?
Ans: The author visited Antarctica to experience and understand the effects of climate change firsthand and to explore how studying the continent helps in learning about Earth’s history, environmental patterns, and the potential future of our planet.

Q2. What does the author say about Antarctica’s past and present?
Ans: Antarctica was once part of the supercontinent Gondwana and had a warmer climate. Today, it is a frozen desert. This stark contrast offers insights into Earth’s geological changes, helping scientists study climate patterns and evolution.

Q3. What role does the program ‘Students on Ice’ play in the chapter?
Ans: ‘Students on Ice’ is an educational initiative that takes young students to Antarctica. It aims to raise awareness among youth about climate change by giving them direct exposure to the effects of global warming in one of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth.

Q4. How does Antarctica serve as a crucial indicator of climate change?
Ans: Antarctica’s ice shelves and pristine ecosystem are highly sensitive to temperature changes. Melting glaciers, shifting icebergs, and altered wildlife patterns serve as early warning signs of global environmental changes.

Q5. What lesson does the author want readers to take from her journey?
Ans: The author wants readers to realize the urgency of addressing climate change. She emphasizes the need for environmental awareness and the importance of educating future generations to protect the planet.

Themes and Symbolism

 

Literary Devices Used

• Imagery: Vivid descriptions of Antarctica’s landscape help readers visualize the terrain and feel the isolation and beauty of the place.

• Metaphor: The continent is used as a metaphor for time travel and as a mirror reflecting humanity’s environmental impact.

• Satire/Underlying Irony: Implicit irony in how modern civilization, despite its advancement, is slowly destroying the planet.

• Personification: Nature is presented as almost alive and responding to human actions.

Exam Tips

• Focus on how the author uses her journey as a lens to discuss larger environmental concerns.

• Understand the scientific and emotional importance of Antarctica as highlighted in the chapter.

• Be prepared to explain the role of students and how the story emphasizes youth responsibility.

• Know the historical and geological references like Gondwana, as they support the chapter’s environmental message.

• Highlight the contrast between human progress and environmental degradation as a critical commentary.