Plot Summary Flashcards
What is the tallest mountain in the world?
Mount Everest
Known since 1852.
Who were the first climbers to reach the summit of Everest?
Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay
Achieved this in the 1950s.
What is ‘Into Thin Air’ about?
Krakauer’s expedition to climb Everest in 1996, which resulted in a catastrophe.
Who was Krakauer’s guide during the 1996 Everest expedition?
Rob Hall
What was Rob Hall known for as a mountaineer?
Being extremely cautious and orderly with his clients.
What was the cost of the permit to climb Everest for Doug Hansen?
$65,000
What ethnic group is known for their climbing skills in the Himalayas?
Sherpa
How has Everest tourism affected Sherpa communities?
Ruined some communities, replaced by hotels and lodges.
True or False: Sherpas are less likely to die while climbing Everest compared to paying clients.
False
What was Scott Fischer’s reputation as a guide?
More laid-back and easygoing than Hall.
What notable incident occurred with the Taiwanese team the previous year?
A serious accident while climbing Mount McKinley resulted in a death.
What did Hall encourage his clients to use for the final ascent?
Breathe condensed oxygen from special canisters.
Fill in the blank: Krakauer reached the summit of Everest before ______.
2 pm
What happened shortly after Krakauer reached the summit?
A massive snowstorm hit the summit.
What was the consequence of Hall not confirming a cut-off time?
Climbers became highly disorganized.
Who took on the leadership role after Rob Hall’s absence?
Peter Hutchinson
What agonizing decision did Hutchinson’s search party make regarding Namba and Weathers?
To leave them in the snow.
What miraculous event occurred with Beck Weathers?
He found the strength to walk back to Camp Four.
What feelings did Krakauer struggle with after the expedition?
Survivor’s guilt
What was the reaction to Krakauer’s article published in Outside magazine?
He became a target of vitriol from deceased climbers’ family members.
Who did Krakauer meet to discuss feelings of guilt?
Neal Beidleman
