A Land Without Pity Summary and Analysis

Joe awakes to a nightmare, remembers he is not in the crevasse and begins reciting Shakespeare he thought he had forgotten long ago. He realizes he will not reach the base camp today but says he had already planned it out in his subconscious so it comes as no surprise. The land in front of him lies in undulating waves of fresh snow, the day is warm and he is ready to move though he is very thirsty and hungry. He says he believes he can go on without food but does not want to think about the impending dehydration. He says he simply cannot eat enough snow to stave off the thirst.

Joe becomes lost, unable to recall which way he is supposed to go. He makes a choice, is forced to return and...