Pym Necessary For Their Survival

As the narrative begins Poe introduces Augustus and Pym. In the beginning we get the idea that Augustus is someone to whom Pym looks highly upon. He admires every story that Augusts tells him and in a way wants to be like him, he wants to be just as adventurous. After making the decision to join Augustus at sea, Pym depends on Augustus to survive during his imprisonment. But in the second half of the narrative we begin to get a different idea in regards to who is truly the more important and stronger character. After the ship is taken over Pym, Peter, Parker, and Augustus have to fight for their life in attempts to reach land. It is then that we can see how not only Augustus, but also Peters and Parker need Pym in order to survive.

Descriptions of the men are given, specifically that of Augustus and Peters who he says were unrecognizable. Pym on the other hand although not in the greatest shape is still the one who is better in both physical and mental state. One of the instances in which we see this is during the attempts that are made to reach the cabin. After Pym finally is able to obtain the bottle of wine he describes the effect that it has on the men which instead of being a positive one is rather negative.

“There seemed now to be no longer any room for hope, and I could perceive in the countenances of my companions that they had made up their minds to perish.” (Poe 106)

This hopelessness is what possibly had the men is the condition that they were currently in. If it were not for the hope and several attempts of survival made by Pym the men would more then likely have perished.