Themes of Into Thin Air

Commercialization:

Since man discovered the idea of trade there were those who used the system to their own advantages. Although Mt. Everest is a natural beauty, man was quick to use its glory to profit. Many cities and towns surrounding this giant mountain rely heavily and trade and commerce directed from the tourism involved with visiting Everest. Money is also used to put a stranglehold on the accessibility to the peak. People from around the world are forced to pay tens of thousands of dollars to to be guided up this dangerous peak.

You may be quick to blame the guides for being greedy but the blame would be wrong. It is in fact the guide companies behind them ranking in the big money. It is unfortunate that such an amazing landmark has become so over run by greed.

Life vs. Death:

From the very beginning we learn one thing; Everest can be deadly. It may seem obvious that climbing at 30,000 ft mountain covered in snow on foot is a very dangerous task, but in an industry so calculated and planned the obvious reality may be more difficult to see.

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Although towards the bottom of the summit all seems well, smooth sailing ahead, it becomes clear that this is not the case as the altitude increases. Krakauer and his fellow climbers must face the scary issue of mortality throughout the many twists and turns of the novel. Although this novel is not one of a cautionary tale, the reality of the danger and death explored could put some off attacking the summit.

Man vs. Wild:

With a plethora of best sellers under his belt, it is clear Krakauer is a lover of the outdoors. Tackling Mount Everest however may have been his most ambitious adventure. Everest is the highest point on earth, both man made or from mother earth’s creation. Although the tens of thousands of feet in elevation gain alone would be a triumph of man to conquer, the elements and layout this summit holds add to both the beauty and the challenge. The climb for the most part is fairly straightforward however some of the spots such as Hillary Step an up and down rope climb, requiring a great amount of technical skill. Certain natural elements are accounted for such as snowfall and ice patches. However some elements are not always accounted for such as the storm that catches the group. This is at its core a story of man accepting one of mother nature’s most brutal challenges.

Mini Review:

This is the second Jon Krakauer novel I have tackled, the other being Into the Wild. The book was both more interesting and more straightforward than the winding, jumpy tale of Into the Wild. This will however most likely be my last Krakauer novel as I don’t find his writing style particularly interesting and tend to be disinterested in nonfiction in general.