Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Ralston refers to several authors who shaped his views as an outdoor enthusiast, such as Jon Krakauer and Edward Abbey. Read an excerpt (or more) by one of the authors he cites. What continuities can you identify between their work and Ralston’s? How about differences and discontinuities?

After Ralston leads two friends on a skiing trip that causes an avalanche, they distance themselves from him. Compare the influence that Ralston has on his friends with their influence over him: How do they impact each other? Which of his friends or relatives seems to have the most influence on him? Why?

Through his experiences, Ralston illustrates his resilience—and difficulty often invigorates him. However, he gives up on his planned monthlong postgraduation road trip after his encounter with a bear. Why was this experience so draining, and what does it suggest about Ralston’s approach to life?

By the end of the book, how has Ralston changed (other than physically) from the way he was before being trapped, and how does he remain the same?

Closely read one of Ralston’s adventurous anecdotes. As a storyteller, what stylistic choices does he use, and what is their rhetorical effect? Overall, what purpose does your selected anecdote serve in the work?

At times during his entrapment, Ralston considers the possibility that luck, fate, or some higher power, such as God, are playing a role, and he undergoes experiences that he describes as “spiritual.” What is the relationship between the supernatural and the spiritual in the narrative?

Ralston completed a music minor in college, and his love of music manifests throughout the narrative. Analyze the role of music in the text: How does it relate to one or more central themes? Cite passages from the book in your answer.

The book opens by briefly mentioning how Bluejohn Canyon received its name. Research the history of southern Utah’s red rock country, including modern and ancient periods. How does your research impact your perception of the text?