Into Thin Air | Topics for Discussion & Projects

Into Thin Air Topics for Discussion

How does Krakauer resolve his role as a journalist as well as a participant in the events he is covering?

Does Krakauer bear any blame for the disastrous events on the mountain? Does anyone? If so, who?

How does Krakauer characterize the roles of the Sherpas in his narrative?

Is mountain climbing a worthwhile endeavor?

Krakauer sometimes uses separate chapters to describe simultaneous events, moving forward and backward on the timeline of the story. Is this an effective way to tell this story? Why or why not?

As a journalist, Krakauer explains that he feels he is required to tell the story as he observed it, even if it means hurting people who are involved. Is this a responsible approach? Is Krakauer fair to his subjects?

How does Krakauer portray himself in his narrative?

How does Krakauer's opinion of his fellow climbers change over the course of the expedition?