Students need to obtain a copy of Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakauer. Please see Mrs. Archer if you would like to borrow a
book for the summer.
You will have an in-class essay analysis of the book on the second day of class. Your discussion
questions should adequately prepare you for the depth of thinking and written response required on
the in-class essay.
Into Thin Air Discussion Questions
Answer the following questions in paragraph format. Responses must be MLA formatted, typed, in 12
point Times New Roman font. Responses must be submitted to turnitin.com on or before Tuesday,
August 4 at midnight. Turnitin.com class ID: 9950850. Enrollment password: aplang
1. Jon Krakauer describes any attempt to climb Mt. Everest as “an intrinsically irrational act”? Do you agree with this
statement? Why? Why not? Alternately, what are some legitimate reasons for attempting such a feat?
2. Who should (if anyone) decide if someone is fit to climb Everest? The individual, the guides, the tour companies, the
government of Nepal? In the abstract, how free should we be to make decisions that may involve or endanger others or
affect the environment around us?
3. What role do the Sherpas play in the commercialization of Everest? What is their responsibility to their mountain? To
their community? To their family? To their clients? What is the responsibility of the climbers or the tour companies to them?
4. What does Into Thin Air suggest about the importance of leadership and teamwork in comparison to individual
achievement?
5. What does Into Thin Air suggest about communication? Honesty? Ambition?
6. Krakauer’s book illuminates one of the great debates of our century: commercialism/progress vs. preservation. As
leaders and citizens, how do we advance communities while remaining true to ancient wisdom, tradition and history? Where
does our obligation lie as citizens of the world: to the preservation of our natural world or to the pursuit of profit? How is
the idea of “The Tragedy of the Commons” applicable here?
7. Who is responsible for the deaths documented in the book? Ultimately, is a person responsible for others? Is selfpreservation the bottom line here?
8. Sandy Pittman was widely criticized for her actions on Everest after she returned to New York City. Many reporters and
columnists demonized her approach to the summit, with one going so far as to blame the entire tragedy on her. How much
responsibility, if any, do you feel she should shoulder?
9. Pittman is one of a handful of people on the mountain who feel they were not presented in a balanced manner. While
Krakauer is definitely critical of certain individuals, do you feel he presents an even or uneven picture of the people and
events that transpired?
10. Some critics have labeled Into Thin Air as a telling look at the business behind high-altitude climbing while others feel it
was simply a means for Krakauer to cash in on the tragedy of others. Do you feel this is a worthwhile, cautionary tale or an
exploitative tattle-tale book?
Note: The questions are modified from those found on the following website:
www.rollins.edu/explorations/ documents/IntoThinAirlettertostudents_000.pdf
**Please note: Your responses should be 100% your own. You may not reference the internet or any other source
outside of your brain in answering the discussion questions. To do so would be a violation of the parameters of this
assignment and the honor code, and will result in a “0” on the assignment and an Honor Code referral.