Into Thin Air is structured with a unique approach to storytelling, beginning at the climax and then circling back to provide a chronological narrative.
Chronological Structure with a Flashforward
The book Into Thin Air initially deviates from a straightforward chronological narrative. According to available references:
- The narrative starts in medias res, or in the middle of the action.
- The book begins with Jon Krakauer reaching the summit of Mount Everest.
- After the initial flashforward (up to chapter three), the rest of the book adopts a chronological structure.
- The chronological section covers the events in the order they happened.
- The book follows the ascent, the summit, and finally, the descent from Everest.
This structure creates immediate tension and intrigue by revealing the ultimate goal before detailing the events that led to it. The chronological narrative then allows the reader to understand the full context of the tragedy and the challenges faced by the climbers.
