Into+Thin+Air+Study+Guide

Into Thin Air Study Guide

1.Be able to identify the following characters and be able to explain their role in the expedition as well as the fate of each person:

a. Jon Krakauer b. Rob Hall c. Andy Harris d. Beck Weathers e. Yasuko Namba f. Scott Fischer g. Anatoli Boukreev h. Neal Beidleman i. Lopsang Jangbu j.Ian Woodall k.Sandy Pittman l. Doug Hansen m. the role and importance of Sherpas

2. Explain the significance of important quotes.

3. Explain and comment on the following important events: a) the deaths of Hall, Fischer, Hansen, Namba, and Harris b) Weathers’ “death” and miraculous discovery c) Pittman’s short roping by Jangbu d) the decision to continue after 2:00 P.M. e) Beidleman and Boukreev’s abandonment of their teams

4. The battle between Boukareev and Krakauer in the epilogue.

5. The importance of the following themes: commercialism vs. preservation self-responsibility vs. responsibility to others

6. The significance of Sherpa’s superstition and worship of Everest.

7. The differences in fiction and non-fiction. In what ways does this book blur the lines?