Section Three Summary and Analysis

Section three opens on the ninth day of the survivors' struggle. In the morning, they carry Susana's body out of the cabin. They move through the monotonous tasks of melting snow and tidying the fuselage. It went unsaid, but the survivors could see their own deterioration mirrored in the faces of their companions. As a group, they were becoming irritable and depressed. Marcelo Perez and Daniel Fernandez, two of the older members of the group, feared for their younger friends. With a few exceptions, the majority of those who were not irritable were instead nearing hysteria. To buoy their spirits, Marcelo tried to remain upbeat. This was an extension of his job as team captain. His positive attitude and reputation of fairness gained him respect amongst the others, but he, too, faced sorrow in the evenings. Not only did...