- 1. Into The Silence by Wade Davis is a compelling narrative that intertwines the quest for adventure with a deep exploration of the human spirit and the majestic, yet unforgiving, landscape of Antarctica. The book chronicles the journey of the early 20th-century explorers who were drawn to the allure of the polar region, particularly the legendary expeditions of George Mallory and his contemporaries. Davis artfully captures the essence of their ambition and the era's intoxicating obsession with discovery, while also delving into the psychological challenges faced by these adventurers in such a hostile environment. Through rich, evocative prose, he paints a vivid picture of the frozen wilderness, the triumphs and tribulations of the explorers, and the spiritual reflections that arise from their encounters with nature at its most raw and powerful. Davis's work reflects not only on the physical challenges of exploration but also on the internal journeys of the individuals who dared to venture into the silence of the polar world, leaving readers with a profound appreciation for both the beauty and the terror of nature.
What is the primary historical event that forms the backdrop of 'Into The Silence'?
A) The 1921-1924 British Mount Everest expeditions
B) The first successful ascent of Mount Everest
C) The British exploration of the North Pole
D) World War I
- 2. Who is the author of 'Into The Silence'?
A) Wade Davis
B) George Mallory
C) Jon Krakauer
D) Edmund Hillary
- 3. Which British climber famously disappeared on Everest in 1924?
A) John Noel
B) Andrew Irvine
C) George Mallory
D) Arthur Hinks
- 4. Who was George Mallory's climbing partner when he disappeared?
A) Howard Bury
B) Sandy Wollaston
C) John de Vars Hazard
D) Andrew Irvine
- 5. What was Mallory's famous response when asked why he wanted to climb Everest?
A) "For scientific discovery"
B) "Because it's there"
C) "For the glory of England"
D) "To conquer the impossible"
- 6. In what year was Mallory's body discovered on Everest?
A) 1924
B) 1975
C) 1953
D) 1999
- 7. What was the primary motivation for the British attempts on Everest in the 1920s?
A) Religious pilgrimage
B) Scientific research
C) National prestige and imperial ambition
D) Commercial tourism
- 8. Who led the 1922 Everest expedition?
A) George Mallory
B) Arthur Hinks
C) Charles Granville Bruce
D) Francis Younghusband
- 9. How many climbers died in an avalanche during the 1922 expedition?
A) Five
B) Nine
C) Seven
D) Three
- 10. Who was the expedition doctor on the 1924 expedition?
A) John de Vars Hazard
B) Arthur Wakefield
C) Alexander Kellas
D) Howard Somervell
- 11. Who was the last person to see Mallory and Irvine alive?
A) Noel Odell
B) Charles Bruce
C) John Noel
D) Howard Somervell
- 12. What was the name of the official photographer on the 1924 expedition?
A) George Ingle Finch
B) Noel Odell
C) Howard Somervell
D) John Noel
- 13. Which climber set a new altitude record on the 1922 expedition?
A) George Mallory
B) George Finch
C) Charles Bruce
D) Howard Somervell
- 14. What physical evidence suggests Mallory might have reached the summit?
A) He had summit rocks in his pack
B) His diary recorded reaching the top
C) His goggles were in his pocket
D) A summit flag was found
- 15. What was the primary route attempted in the 1920s expeditions?
A) The West Ridge
B) The South Col/Southeast Ridge
C) The Kangshung Face
D) The North Col/Northeast Ridge
- 16. What was the main argument against using oxygen equipment?
A) It was considered unsporting
B) It didn't work effectively
C) It was too heavy
D) It was too expensive
- 17. What was the prevailing attitude toward Himalayan porters and Sherpas?
A) They were excluded from high camps
B) They were essential but often undervalued
C) They were treated as equals
D) They were paid better than British climbers
- 18. What significant evidence was NOT found with Mallory's body?
A) Personal letters
B) The camera
C) Sunglasses
D) His altimeter
- 19. What was the highest altitude reached during the 1922 expedition?
A) 29,000 feet
B) 28,500 feet
C) 26,000 feet
D) 27,300 feet
- 20. What was the nationality of the expedition doctor Alexander Kellas?
A) Scottish
B) English
C) Welsh
D) Irish
- 21. Which Tibetan monastery controlled access to Everest during these expeditions?
A) Rongbuk Monastery
B) Sera Monastery
C) Potala Palace
D) Tashilhunpo Monastery
- 22. Which British institution organized and funded the Everest expeditions?
A) British Museum
B) Royal Geographical Society
C) British Army
D) Oxford University
- 23. How old was George Mallory during his final Everest attempt?
A) 45
B) 42
C) 29
D) 37
- 24. What was the 'Yellow Band' that challenged climbers on the North Face?
A) A section of blue ice
B) An area of deep snow
C) A zone of extreme wind
D) A section of difficult limestone rock
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