Peary’s expedition replicates in miniature the shape of American society: a lot of people work very hard at backbreaking labor to support the success of the few lucky enough to find themselves at the top of the social, economic, and political hierarchies. Notably, in a meritocracy—a system in which people are rewarded according to their practical skills—Father doesn’t come out looking very successful. No wonder he longs to return home to America, where he doesn’t have to work too hard to maintain his privilege.