Into Thin Air
By jon krakauer, into thin air themes.
Morality is woven into the story in multiple ways. One angle focuses on Krakauer himself and his role as a writer and reporter. His presence on the expedition may have added pressure on his teammates to test their limits and appear impressive, knowing that their actions would be made available for public consumption. And as the survivor with the greatest platform to tell the story of the tragedy, he also must comment on the judgement of those who are no longer there to defend themselves, angering family members and amplifying their grief. This internal moral struggle pits Krakauer's responsibility as a reporter to tell stories against the potential role he played in pushing his teammates towards unwise decisions and later damaging their dignity and reputation.
Morality also becomes an important theme on the summit. On one hand, you have a character like Harris who sacrifices himself in a futile attempt to bring oxygen to Hall and Hansen stranded high on the mountain. On the other hand, you have the story of the team of Japanese climbers who refuse to help the dying climbers from Ladakh and continue to the summit. Morality, in these examples, is posed as a question of life and death where there is no easy answer. Harris and the Japanese climbers show two opposite interpretations of morality, one heroic and the other selfish, yet both are understandable responses to such extreme circumstances.
Teamwork is described in multiple instances as the key to survival in mountaineering, a sport where everyone must depend on one another both to avoid accidents and know what to do when accidents occur. From the moment Krakauer meets the other clients, however, he fears that this critical element is missing. Each climber on the Adventure Consultants team comes from different backgrounds, with different levels of experience and different motivations for climbing Everest. With such a diverse group of strangers, the trust and loyalty that characterizes a team is difficult to foster. On the day they ascend to the summit, Krakauer confesses that they are only superficially a team, thereby foreshadowing the danger that they face ahead. There are brief moments of cohesive teamwork in the story, such as when multiple expeditions coordinate to help a seriously ill Weathers down the mountain, but there are many more moments where each climber cares primarily for him or herself. This highlights one of the main problems with commercial mountaineering: ultimately, it encourages groups of individuals to undertake a challenge that can only be safely met by a team.
Leadership is a parallel theme to teamwork, and is exemplified by Rob Hall . Hall is presented as the ideal leader: experienced, caring, organized, inspirational, and commanding respect from all. The absence of true teamwork places even greater emphasis on Hall's leadership as the element that will ensure clients' safety and survival. Krakauer is fully confident in him throughout the story, and mentions that no one ever would have predicted that such a tragedy could happen under Hall's leadership. The fact that tragedy did occur despite having Hall at the helm suggests that even ideal leadership cannot fully compensate for teamwork. On both Hall and Fischer's expeditions, leadership is essentially concentrated in one man, and his inevitable mistakes lead to fatal consequences.
The theme of ambition is cast in both a positive and a negative light. The entire sport of mountaineering is based on ambition, which drives climbers to ever higher and more difficult peaks. The summit of Mt. Everest, where there is literally nowhere higher to go, therefore becomes the ultimate test of ambition. Krakauer recalls how he dreamed of climbing Everest since childhood, and hundreds before him felt the same irresistible pull. Ambition in this story notably transcends reason and logic, pushing very under-qualified climbers like Pittman to put their lives at great risk in pursuit of the summit. It is the one trait that all characters in the story possess, despite their myriad differences and backgrounds.
While ambition fuels an admirable sense of adventure and determination, it also causes characters to overestimate their strength, leading to their judgement becoming clouded. Many bad decisions, such as Fischer pushing through his debilitating illness and Hall ignoring his turnaround time to see Hansen reach the top, reflect an inability to control that ambition. The dream of achieving that ultimate goal blinds both clients and guides to the costs of their actions.
Man vs. Nature
Into Thin Air is in many ways a classic tale of man's attempt to tame and conquer the powerful forces of nature. A figurative battle between the strength and will of each climber and the inhospitable environment of Mt. Everest plays out over the course of the entire narrative, and indeed in the history of human exploration of the mountain as well. The low levels of oxygen above 25,000 feet, sub-zero temperatures, harsh solar radiation, and powerful storms are all examples of natural obstacles that the team has to overcome to complete the expedition. In addition to this individual challenge, there is a sense of competition among the climbers over who can "win" most convincingly, partly leading to Boukreev's decision to ascend without oxygen, and to the unspoken race between Hall and Fischer to see who can successfully guide the most clients to the summit. Defeat in this battle against nature takes both voluntary and involuntary forms, and emphasizes the importance of good judgement. Characters like Kasischke and Taske gave up ahead of the summit, recognizing their likely loss; 12 other climbers continued to fight until their literal last breath.
The theme of belonging underpins broader questions about the value of commercial mountaineering and who should have the right to even attempt an ascent of Mt. Everest. Hall and Fischer's teams are representative of how commercial mountaineering has allowed amateurs to summit Mt. Everest without the proper skills, training, and experience to do so. Characters like Namba, Weathers, and even Krakauer himself rely on their guides to survive the expedition, and Krakauer admits that they wouldn't stand a chance of reaching the summit otherwise. An argument exists that everyone should have the right to follow their dreams and ambitions, but for mountaineering purists, these relative amateurs are seen as taking the easy road to the summit, and one that needlessly increases risk for everyone on the mountain.
The theme of death is present throughout the story, but evolves from an abstract concept into a concrete one from beginning to end. Krakauer makes the strong link between death and mountaineering explicit through the stories he tells of numerous climbers, both skilled and amateur, who perished on the slopes of Mt. Everest. However, as he admits near the end of the book, he himself had never come face-to-face with death, and the thrill of tempting fate served as a kind of motivation to climb rather than a deterrent. It's not until he is on the mountain that death starts feeling uncomfortably close--symbolized by frozen corpses on the side of the trail and accidents that take the lives of minor characters on the expedition. Ultimately, death becomes an overpowering reality, filling him with grief, guilt, and a newfound recognition of his own mortality.
Into Thin Air Questions and Answers
The Question and Answer section for Into Thin Air is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.
Who did krakauer see as the strongest guided climber on Everest in 1996 and why
Robert Hall. He was the most experienced and level headed guide climbing Everest.
It was with this Rob Hall - the best possible leader - that we were on our way.
What was the Mosetrap?
The Mousetrap is a giant tower at 19000 feet.
What is a Siridar?
A Sirdar is head Sherpa.
Study Guide for Into Thin Air
Into Thin Air study guide contains a biography of author Jon Krakauer, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.
- About Into Thin Air
- Into Thin Air Summary
- Character List
Essays for Into Thin Air
Into Thin Air essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer.
- An In Depth Rhetorical Analysis of Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
- Loyalty and Its Consequences in 'Into Thin Air'
Lesson Plan for Into Thin Air
- About the Author
- Study Objectives
- Common Core Standards
- Introduction to Into Thin Air
- Relationship to Other Books
- Bringing in Technology
- Notes to the Teacher
- Related Links
- Into Thin Air Bibliography
Wikipedia Entries for Into Thin Air
- Introduction
- Controversy
Into Thin Air
84 pages • 2 hours read
Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster
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Essays on Into Thin Air
Into thin air essay topics.
As a college student, choosing the right essay topic is crucial to the success of your assignment. This page is designed to provide you with a variety of essay topics to choose from, allowing you to explore your creativity and personal interests.
Essay Types and ... Read More Into Thin Air Essay Topics
Essay types and topics, argumentative.
- The Role of Technology in Modern Society
- The Importance of Environmental Conservation
- The Ethics of Genetic Engineering
Paragraph Example:
In today's technologically driven society, the role of technology has become a topic of great debate. As we continue to advance, it is essential to consider the implications of our technological developments on society as a whole. This essay aims to explore the impact of technology on modern society and the challenges it presents.
The role of technology in modern society is a complex and multifaceted issue. It is essential to consider the benefits and drawbacks of technological advancements and work towards finding a balance that benefits all members of society.
Compare and Contrast
- The Influence of Nature vs. Nurture on Personal Growth
- The Advantages and Disadvantages of Traditional vs. Online Education
- The Portrayal of Heroes in Literature and Film
The debate between the influence of nature and nurture on personal growth has been ongoing for centuries. This essay will explore the various factors that contribute to an individual's development and how they interact to shape who we are.
The debate between nature and nurture is an ongoing and complex issue. While both factors play a significant role in personal growth, it is essential to recognize the interplay between genetics and environment in shaping who we become.
Engagement and Creativity
As you explore the essay topics provided, remember to engage your creativity and critical thinking skills. Your essay is an opportunity to express your unique perspective and develop your writing abilities.
Educational Value
Each essay type offers valuable learning outcomes, from developing analytical thinking and persuasive writing skills to honing descriptive abilities and narrative techniques. Consider the skills you want to develop and choose an essay topic that aligns with your academic goals.
Jon Krakauer’s Journey to The Top of The World in into Thin Air
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J. Krakauer’s into Thin Air: a Review of The Gripping Story
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Jon Krakauer
Non-fiction
English, Chinese, Japanese
1996 Mount Everest disaster
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Into Thin Air Essay Topics & Writing Assignments
Essay Topic 1
The preparations one must make in order to be ready for a climb up Everest are astounding to those who do not already hike. But they are necessary in order to be ready for anything.
Part 1: What preparations are made before the hiking can even begin? What must the hikers do to prepare themselves?
Part 2: How do the group leaders and guides help to prepare for this journey?
Part 3: In what ways were the preparations not sufficient for the hike up to Everest?
Essay Topic 2
The dream of going up to the summit of Mount Everest is one that many people might have, but never seriously attempt. Just as the top of the mountain is so far away from the ground, the dream seems too far out of reach.
Part 1: Why do you think people want to climb to the top of Mount Everest?
Part 2: Choose...
(read more Essay Topics)
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Into Thin Air
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Danger and Mortality
A simple question hangs over Into Thin Air : why would people travel to the other side of the world and pay lavish sums of money to risk their own lives on the slopes of Mount Everest ? In general, why would anyone climb mountains for fun, when the mortality rate for mountaineers is alarmingly high? As Jon Krakauer shows, mountaineers enjoy climbing Everest not in spite of the danger, but because of it. The…
The Natural World
Another important theme of Into Thin Air is the natural world. Climbers choose to ascend mountains, not just because of the inherent danger of doing so (see above), but also because of the mountains’ sublime beauty and majesty—qualities that civilization cannot rival. The characters in the book believe that they can use their training, technology, and intelligence to “conquer” Everest. However, the 1996 Everest disaster provides them an unforgettable reminder of nature’s awesome power—power that…
Commercialization
As Krakauer sees it, there are two ways to climb a mountain: 1) by oneself, with no one else’s help; or 2) in a tour group, as part of a large commercial business (which charges its clients many tens of thousands of dollars). While both forms of mountaineering can be found on Mount Everest , Krakauer argues that it’s getting increasingly difficult to practice the first. The Nepalese government now requires all independent Everest climbers…
Individualism and the Group
In the forty-odd years since Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first human beings to climb to the summit of Mount Everest , the sport of mountaineering has experienced some major changes. Climbing Mount Everest has largely become a group activity, where before it was usually a challenge for a single, determined climber, or, at most, two climbers with a close bond of friendship and talent. While Krakauer spends many pages dissecting why…
In the final chapters of Into Thin Air , it becomes clear that guilt is one of the key themes of the book. On the afternoon of May 10, 1996, Jon Krakauer makes it back to his tent, having climbed to the summit of Mount Everest ; exhausted, he falls into a deep sleep. Unbeknownst to Krakauer at the time, however, many of his teammates get caught in the middle of a deadly snowstorm. One…
Into Thin Air: Character Analysis Chart & Essay Prompt
Description
In addition to Jon Krakauer’s gripping story-telling, the fact that the characters are real people makes the reading of Into Thin Air so much more engaging. Each of these people was chasing a dream; some were successful, some were not, and although the reasons for their successes or failures were sometimes outside of their control, their personalities and personal motivations definitely played a role. Use this graphic organizer to help your students keep track of the numerous individuals who played a part in this great adventure story--and how their own personalities affected the outcome of their own adventure.
Each student can track a different individual, or you can assign the major players to small groups of students, allowing them to compare notes and discuss interpretations prior to writing about the character’s ability to overcome challenges en route to the summit.
What's Included
A single-page graphic organizer that guides students to record details about a character, track the positive and negative events that impact the climber during the story, and use text evidence to draw conclusions about character's personality traits. The orgranizer includes a space for students to synthesize their understanding of how these elements affected the climber's ultimate success or failure on the mountain.
A second page is intended to be photocopied on the back of the organizer. It includes an essay prompt (which could also be used as a discussion starter) and a list of descriptive terms to help students complete the front of the orgranizer.
I've created the organizer in PowerPoint, but it is designed to print directly to letter paper. It is fully editable, so you can use it as it is, or adapt it to your specific objectives or essential question. Please check out the Preview for a look at the complete resource.
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Home / Essay Samples / Literature / Books / Into Thin Air
Into Thin Air Essay Examples
The concept of commercialism in krakauer’s into thin air.
Into thin air, written by Jon Krakauer, encounters the fatal story of the Mt. Everest expedition in 1996. The concept of commercialism reveals as Krakauer is employed to report for Outside Magazine regarding extreme climbing expeditions in Mount Everest. Krakauer agrees to participate within the...
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