Conflicting Interests

Throughout my independent novel study, Into Thin Air, written by Jon Krakauer, the author, who is also the protagonist, struggles through the harsh environment of Mount Everest and battles to survive through storms and other environmental stress. During his trek up and descent from the summit, Krakauer struggles with a lack of oxygen and supplies which ultimately leads to a dangerous trip and even hallucinations. For example, Krakauer, due to his lack of sleep, energy and the altitude of the mountain, believes that he sees Andy Harris, his friend and guide on the expedition, and guided him towards camp. However, after he survives the incident, he comes to realize that it was not Harris that he had seen but another climber.

The main 'problem'/'conflict' of the story is the storm which rips apart the groups as they descend down the mountain. Krakauer and a few other climbers arrive at the peak of the mountain at the determinded time and begin their descent earlier than the others. Luckily, due to being the first ones descending, Krakauer barely escapes the wrath of the storm. However, various guides, like Rob Hall, Doug Hansen and Scott Fischer, are busy guiding and helping inexperienced climbers and are caught in the storm. The sheer hazards of descending Mount Everest combined with the danger of the ill-timed storm proves to be too much for even the most experienced climbers and many of the climbers, guides and sherpas do not survive and die on the trip.

The conflict of this story is truly unique. As it is Jon Krakauer's personal account of the events that occurred, it's point of view and unique sense of 'trying to figure out what happened' provides a intriguing and captivating storyline. I find this conflict very similar to that of The Swiss Robinson Crusoe. Both show examples of battles against harsh conditions that Mother Nature may throw at us and are very awe-inspiring to witness and read about the perseverance and determination of all the characters.