4. What is the cruising altitude of the plane that makes Krakauer realize how absurd it seems to climb that distance as it is so close to Everest's summit measurement?

5. What causes the brain damage in the Sherpa?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who were the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest?

2. Why do Krakauer and Hansen have troubles getting out of their sleeping bags in the morning?

3. Describe the character of Mike Groom.

4. What is Krakauer alarmed to see other climbers doing as they prepare their equipment for their first acclimatization climb?

5. Who does Krakauer idolize from his own town, as related to his own hiking love?

6. Describe Andy Harris and what Krakauer learns about him as they hike.

7. What does Krakauer help Ang Dorje with when they are back at Camp One?

8. Why are the climbers eager to leave Lobuje?

9. How is the influence of Western culture seen in the village of Namche?

10. What is different about this climbing experience from other climbing experiences Krakauer has had?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of possible heroes in this story as the events unfold. Some people go above and beyond their duties and responsibilities to help others, while others simply fend for themselves.

Part 1: What is the definition of a hero?

Part 2: Who might be considered heroes in this story? Why?

Part 3: Which characters seem to have been unwilling to help others? Perhaps even selfish? Why do they seem this way?

Essay Topic 2

During this particular time period, there are a number of teams up on Mount Everest, all trying to reach the summit on the same date or similar dates.

Part 1: Name three of the teams that are on the mountain at the time of this story.

Part 2: How does the number of teams affect the hiking schedule and the ascents to the summit?

Part 3: If there were fewer groups up on the mountain, would this have made a difference in terms of the eventual events of the story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The goal of getting to the top of Mount Everest often gets in the way of making logical and safe decisions. People are blinded by the possibility of reaching their goal that they forget themselves, it seems.

Part 1: In what ways are the leaders of the groups affected by their goals of getting to the summit? What poor choices do they make because of their commitment to their goal?

Part 2: Which hikers are affected by their commitment to getting to the top? What poor decisions are made in the face of health problems and schedule problems?

Part 3: How might it have been possible to talk the hikers into safer decisions without hurting the dream they have in their mind of standing on the top of Everest?

(see the answer keys)

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