How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Four hundred vertical feet above, where the summit was still washed in bright sunlight under and immaculate cobalt sky, my compadres dallied to memorialize their arrival at the apex of the planet. (1.21)
While it's hard to blame the climbers for getting caught up in the moment, they're making a big mistake by spending so much time on the summit. Though beautiful, it's a deadly place: your body is dying every second spent up there. After coming so far and working so hard, this is not the time to stand in jaw-dropped awe.
Quote #2
I thrilled in the fresh perspective that came from tipping the ordinary plane of existence on end. (2.31)
For his part, Krakauer hopes that an awe-inspiring experience atop Everest will give his life the shakeup it so sorely needs. Be careful what you wish for, old pal.
Quote #3
As I gazed across the sky at this contrail, it occurred to me that the top of Everest was precisely the same height as the pressurized jet bearing me through the heavens. (3.5)
Holy smokes, that's a terrifying thought. For people like Krakauer, on the other hand, this thought is practically an invitation—an invitation to undergo an experience shared by very few people. We guess that's the difference between people who actually climb mountains and those of us who just read books about them, huh?