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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. After the moraines, what is Joe's next destination goal?

2. How does Joe describe the shape of the crevasse chamber where he has been?

3. When sorting through Joe's possessions, what does Simon salvage?

4. How does Joe get through the moraines?

5. Gloria and Norma are gawping at Simon. Why?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Joe describe his night in the moraines under the stars?

2. While crawling away during his escape from the crevasse, what is Joe's most common excuse for stopping, and what persuades him to continue?

3. As Simon turns for one last look at Siula Grande, what goes through his mind?

4. While preparing for his escape attempt up the snow cone towards the light, how does Joe's view towards the crevasse briefly change?

5. Why is Joe so worried about losing Simon's tracks?

6. What logic does Joe use to assume that Simon believes he is dead?

7. After learning that the rope had been cut and after getting some sleep in the crevasse, what are Joe's thoughts about the end of his life?

8. As Simon descends Siula Grande at the beginning of "Silent Witness", how does he feel about the mountain?

9. When does the "voice" utter its first words of discouragement? What does it tell Joe?

10. What are some of the reasons Richard gives for their expeditious departure?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and/or contrast Joe's use of patterns and rhythm throughout the book. Does he use them as a function of his personality, as a result of the essence of climbing, or out of necessity? Discuss the appearance of these patterns in climbing, in the rescue attempt, and in Joe's journey back to base camp.

Essay Topic 2

What influence does Richard have on the outcome of this story? Is he significant? Would the outcome have been different if Richard had not been with them?

Essay Topic 3

Climbers acclimatize before a climb, meaning that they adjust to the conditions, especially the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. To what other conditions, either physical or mental or both, does Joe "acclimatize" throughout the story?

(see the answer keys)

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