As long as anyone who knows a little about Antarctica knows, the scientific experimental station located at 9 south latitude of Antarctica is named Amundsen-Scott Station. This is to commemorate two scientific explorers who first reached the South Pole in human history-Norwegian Amundsen and Englishman Scott. On June 1, 191, Scott led the expedition to leave England for the South Pole. In October 1911, they landed near Cape Evans, New Zealand, and prepared to conquer the South Pole from December of that year to January of the following year. But just then, they got the news that another expedition led by Norwegian Amundsen was heading for the South Pole to "compete with him for the honor of being the first to uncover the secret of the stubborn earth"! So, Scott and his party set off in a hurry on November 1, "to win the honor of the country." After some fierce competition, Amundsen beat us to the pole on December 14, 1911, while Scott arrived on January 18, 1912, nearly five weeks later than Amundsen. In the end, Amundsen returned home victorious, and the flag of success fluttered at the South Pole forever. Scott and other five heroes who attacked the South Pole were hungry and exhausted because of the sudden arrival of the cold weather in the South Pole. They struggled with the cold for more than two months on their way back and finally died in the vast snow and ice.

1. Why didn't Zweig write a biography of Amundsen, the winner, but passionately wrote this tragic scene for Scott, the loser?

The answer can be found in the last two sentences of the text: "Although a man destroyed himself in the struggle against invincible bad luck, his mind became extremely noble. All these are the greatest tragedies in all times. " As a great writer, what Zweig thinks of is not mainly the success of his career, but the spiritual shock and enlightenment behind many historical events. According to this value standard, Zweig certainly thinks that it will be more meaningful to give Scott a biography and give people long-term thinking.

2. What excellent qualities of human beings did Scott and his expedition members show? Where is it embodied in the text?

Honesty and admirable gentlemanly demeanor. Scott and his party failed in the competition with Amundsen, but they are brave enough to admit defeat and are willing to "testify for another person's achievements in front of the world, and this cause is exactly what he pursues enthusiastically". If you put this matter in front of a person who loves to cheat and break his word, you can imagine the result.

Perseverance, persistence, and heroic spirit of dedication to the cause. In the abridged part, Scott's personality is fully explained:

From the photos, his face is as cold and resolute as thousands of British people. There is no expression on the face, as if the muscles were frozen by the inner strength. Blue-gray eyes, tightly closed mouth. There are no romantic lines and a hint of relaxed and happy colors on his face, only his will and thoughts of considering the reality of the world are seen.

He has been to India and conquered many scattered islands. He has been to Africa with the colonists and participated in numerous world battles. But no matter where he goes, he is an equally cold and reserved face with the same strong perseverance and collective consciousness.

in the text, they have superhuman strength when they think that their exploration is the immortal cause of mankind. In fact, it is impossible to engage in this undertaking without perseverance in exploration, superhuman strength and courage. And when they fought against death on their way home and fell dead one by one, none of them were cowards, all of them were famous men, who lived clearly and died tragically.

strong spirit of collectivism. Exploration needs the spirit of unity and cooperation. In order to protect your companions at critical moments, you sometimes have to be brave enough to give your life. Scott and his team have done this.

selfless love. At the last breath of his life, Scott was not thinking about his own interests, but always thinking about others: friends, companions, wife and children, and his motherland and people. His last suicide note was not for fame after death, but for the true feelings of love; The letter was written so calmly that it didn't look like a dying person at all! Scott left the cold world with a passionate love and no hatred.

3. What is the significance of Scott's expedition?

Understand nature, challenge human self, realize the value of life, and give spiritual encouragement to future generations.