Max Richardson's blog

In the beginning of the book Krakauer writes in no apparent order just about different things that have happened on Everest. Most likely he feels that this adds to the drama of this book. If you were the writer than would you agree with this style of writing or would you think it would confuse people?

Nick Rizzo's First Prompt

Overall, what did you think of Into Thin Air? Was it great or horrible? Was it clear or confusing? Happy ending or sad ending? How did you think Jon felt after everything had happened?

Does being a climbing guide fulfill certain needs in Scott and/or Rob

Throughout the book we have read about Rob and Scott's experiences in the past and present. Based on the evidence that you've gathered about them would you say that being a climbing guide fulfills certain needs within them?

Nasty Letter

In the Epilouge Jon gets a nasty letter from Lisa Fischer, Scott's sister. If you were Lisa, would you have sent that email and what do you think Scott would think of it?

Matt Dude's Prompt for Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air

Jon talks about how he and Doug had to work double shifts every single day of the week, and then talks about how at least he earned this trip, and how he was going to make it worth his while. My question is; do you think it means more for Jon and Doug to climb Mount Everest because they actually had to earn the money to pay for the climb up and down Everest? Why?

Alex's First Prompt :-)

I was wondering, since four people on Jon Krakauer's expedition died, why would someone want to pay thousands of dollars to go up Everest knowing that they have a pretty good chance of dying? Also, why do you think some people (like Jon Krakauer) had a dream of going up Everest since they were young?

Heather Cousins first promt

Why would the author put in angry responces from people in the last chapter? What does that tell us about the autthor? Was he trying to make fun of them, or somehow apologize for affentding them in any way?

Hallie Miller's first prompt

When Jon Krakauer continues going back to the summit at different times on May 10, how does he lay out the blame in relationship to himself and others?

Andy Klinglers Prompt

In the book the author switches from first person immersed in the action to first person reporting information, how does this help us better understand the story?

question

The book Into Thin Air is a book full off hardships, deaths and pain. I want to know why people continue to go up the mountain if all these people die or get lost on Mt.Everest. Why would they still want to go if they knew how dangerous it was?

How do people survive up Everest without Oxygen?

Some people go up Everest without oxygen, so how is it possible? Jon mentions a couple people who have gone up Everest without it. Hall claims that if you stay up in the air without oxygen too long, your blood will get thick, and you will be delusional. It is most likely that the people who have made it to the top without oxygen have probably gone up the mountain as fast as possible, and didn’t stay on the summit for long. They probably got to the summit and then proceeded down the mountain immediately. They probably lost millions of brain cells (according to the first chapter), but still made it up and down in one piece.

Would You "Make the Cut" on Everest? -Teddy Murphy

How do you think you would have fared (let’s say you were in the middle of the group for you climbing ability) if you were part of Jon’s team. Do you think you would have it in you to function in the harsh conditions? Would you desperately want to reach the summit and fight through the cold and dangerous conditions? Or, would you be conservative and turn around or stay at camp if your life felt threatened?

Gyde's first prompt

On Page 154 (paperback version), Scott Fischer says "If you're bummed out, your not gonna get to the top, so as long as were up here we wight as well make a point of grooving." This sort of says that you've got to keep your head on to make it to the top, and that you have to make good decisions. If you are in that extreemly low oxygen enviroment, do you think that it is possible to keep your head and make the correct discisions all the time? Obviously something went wrong, and Fischer didn't make it back down the mountain. Answer the question, and give you thoughts on this concept.

Tangents... Will Stupp's first prompt

Jon is constantly going off on tangents about the 'characters' histories. He switches constantly. Because of this we get very little information about the actual events of him climbing the mountain. In example the entire chapter seven is a summary of the other teams on the mountain. The histories is usually mixed randomly with the events. Because of this, many readers who I've spoken with don't like the book. I personally am not a large fan either. It is more of a historical view on Everest. I think Krakauer would be better as a history writer. Your thoughts?

Question for Anyone

My class is up to page 190. Krakauer has climbed to the summit and he has just made it down to Camp 4 before the storm hits.

I have a question that might be best answered when we've finished the book, but I'll ask it anyway.

Have you ever had any interest in climbing Mt. Everest? If you have, is your interest increased or decreased as a result of reading the book.

Why must the author put French into the book. Is he making fun of whatever it is he is explaining? page 171 "But mirabile visu, at &:30 p.m the gale abruptly ceased."

First Question/Prompt ---Wehling

The beginnings of chapters have block prints that help us visualize a main issue in that chapter. There are also some photographs near the middle of the book. To what extent are the prints or the photographs more able to capture the risk and hardship it takes to climb Everest, and why? Discuss one in particular to make your case.

This will be the discussion blog for Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air.