Summary: Chapter 21 Flashcards
What does Krakauer find waiting for him after climbing down the Khumbu Icefall?
Caroline Mackenzie with beer
This moment signifies his relief and safety after the climb.
What emotions does Krakauer experience after surviving his climb?
Guilt
He feels guilty for having survived when others did not.
Who presides over the memorial service for the dead climbers?
Neal Beidleman
The service honors climbers like Scott Fischer, Doug Hansen, Yasuko Namba, and Lopsang.
What does Krakauer realize he faces shortly after the memorial service?
A swarm of print and television reporters
This reflects the media attention surrounding the tragedy.
What does Krakauer do with Doug Hansen’s possessions after returning to the U.S.?
Visits Doug Hansen’s family
He feels a responsibility to return Doug’s belongings.
What does Krakauer feel despite being safe after his climb?
Trauma, guilt, and shame
These feelings linger long after his physical safety is secured.
What ongoing mental health issue does Krakauer struggle with?
Survivor’s guilt
He feels irrationally responsible for the deaths of his peers.
How does Krakauer’s trauma worsen after the climb?
Journalists pepper him with questions
This forces him to relive painful memories of the climb.
What does Krakauer believe he should be for the partners of Hall and Harris?
A model of comfort and kindness
However, he finds himself emotionally fragile instead.
What paradox does Krakauer note about many mountaineers’ motivations?
They seek the thrill of danger but struggle with actual trauma
This highlights the psychological impact of climbing.
What major decision does Krakauer reflect on regarding his survival?
His inaction contributed to the deaths of Andy Harris and Yasuko Namba
This realization deeply affects him.
What was Rob Hall known for as a guide?
Being notoriously careful
His carefulness makes the disaster particularly shocking.
What may have contributed to Rob Hall breaking his own rules during the climb?
His rivalry with Scott Fischer
This rivalry may have led Hall to take unnecessary risks.
Why did climbers make poor decisions during the ascent?
Their brains were running low on oxygen
This affected their judgment and decision-making.
What is one proposed solution to prevent disasters like Krakauer’s from happening again?
Ban the use of bottled oxygen for climbers
This could drastically reduce the number of climbers attempting Everest.
What irony does Krakauer mention regarding the May 10 disaster?
It represents a drop in the bucket compared to total Everest fatalities
Many climbers die each year, making the 1996 disaster less unique.
What did the IMAX team achieve despite not using oxygen tanks?
They succeeded in making their film
This showcases the capability of climbers in challenging conditions.
What happened to Bruce Herrod during the South African team’s summit attempt?
He got lost and became the twelfth Everest casualty of 1996
His death highlights the unpredictability of climbing Everest.
What does Krakauer conclude about the nature of climbing Mount Everest?
It is inherently risky and dangerous
No expedition can climb Everest without serious danger.
