"It was remarkable that there were not more cases of friction among the men, especially after the Antarctic night set in. The gathering darkness and the unpredictable weather limited their activities to an ever-constricting area around the ship."
Despite the Endurance's great efforts, eventually because the lack of daylight, below-zero temperatures, and the sheets of ice entrapping her, the ship could no longer go on. Thus the men had to endure many weeks of what would drive some men mad. However, due to the impressive leadership of Shackleton and the many warm personalities of the crew members, spirits on the Endurance continued to soar. They passed time performing in self-produced plays and playing practical jokes on each other. Soon, as the daylight started to reappear, the men would have ice-hockey games outside the ship and race the sled dogs for fun. While stuck in the ice and dealing with the constant pressure that the ship endures, Shackleton tries to lighten the mood by telling the men a funny parabol about a mouse drinking ale. The parabol is fitting in light of the situation. It also adds some comedic value despite the troubled times.
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