1.2 Onto the Summit: We Reached the Top by Tenzing Norgay
Difficult words from the lesson:
1.
Summit: The highest point of a hill or mountain.
2.
Controversy: Prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion.
3.
Pact: A formal agreement between individuals or parties.
4.
Ridge: A long narrow piece of raised land.
5.
Embrace: Hug, hold (someone) closely in one's arms.
6.
In accord with: In agreement with, harmonious or consistent with.
7.
Thirst: A feeling of needing or wanting to drink.
8.
Exhilarated: Very happy and excited.
9.
Gale: A strong wind.
10.
Apparently: As far as one knows or one can see.
11.
Caution: Careful attention to potential dangers or risks.
12.
Kangshung Glacier: A glacier on the east side of Mount Everest.
13.
Alternated: To take turns or interchange regularly.
14.
Anchor: The person who follows in climbing, responsible for supporting and
securing the lead climber.
15.
Steady: Firm, consistent, and unwavering.
16.
Sloping: Slanting or inclining at an angle.
17.
Taut: Pulled tight or stretched.
18.
Symbol: An object or action that represents or stands for something else.
19.
Expedition: A journey or voyage, especially for exploration or scientific
purposes.
20.
Proclaimed: To announce or declare publicly.
21.
Perseverance: Steady persistence in a course of action, especially in spite of
difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
22.
Ascent: The act of climbing or moving upward, especially to a higher point.
23.
Exertion: Physical or mental effort, often strenuous.
24.
Endurance: The ability to withstand hardship, fatigue, or difficult conditions
over an extended period.
25.
Quench: To satisfy one's thirst or desire.
26.
Hazard: A potential source of danger or risk.
27.
Descend: To move or go downward.
28.
Camaraderie: Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend time together.
29.
Comrades: Close friends or companions, often sharing a similar mission or goal.
30.
Accomplishment: The act of successfully completing something or achieving a
goal.
List of places mentioned in the lesson:
2.
Camp Four: Another base camp on Mount Everest, situated at a higher elevation
than Camp Nine. Climbers use this camp as a staging point for their final push
to the summit.
3.
Camp Eight: A base camp located below Camp Nine, where the climbers rested for the
night after their successful ascent to the summit.
4.
South Summit: A significant point on the southern route of Mount Everest,
marking a high point before the final push to the true summit.
5.
Summit of Mount Everest: The highest point on Earth, also known as the
"roof of the world." Reaching the summit is a remarkable achievement
for climbers, as it requires tremendous effort and determination.
6.
Kathmandu: The capital city of Nepal, where Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund
Hillary arrived after successfully reaching the summit of Mount Everest.
Kathmandu serves as a gateway to the Himalayas and a central hub for
mountaineering expeditions.
7.
Darjeeling: A town in the Indian state of West Bengal, where the climbers began
their journey to Mount Everest. Darjeeling is a popular starting point for
expeditions to the mountain's southern side.
8.
West Side: This refers to the western side of Mount Everest, which Tenzing
Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary ascended through during their climb. They
encountered a steep line of rocks on this side, making the ascent slow and
difficult.
9.
Kangshung Glacier: A glacier on the east side of Mount Everest, mentioned as a
perilous area during the descent. If climbers slipped down into this glacier,
there would be no trace left of them.
10.
The Peak: This term is used to describe the topmost point of a mountain or
hill, in this case, the summit of Mount Everest.
11.
Plains Below: Refers to the lower flatlands and areas below the mountain's
slopes. Tenzing Norgay described how the plains looked like broken pieces of
the map from the summit.
12.
Kathmandu: The capital city of Nepal, where the climbers arrived after their
successful ascent to Mount Everest's summit. Kathmandu is a bustling city and
serves as a cultural and administrative center for the country.
13.
India: The country from which Tenzing Norgay hailed. He carried an Indian flag
with him and had the desire to plant it alongside other flags on the summit.
14.
Great Britain: The home country of Sir Edmund Hillary, who was part of the
British-led expedition to Mount Everest.
15.
United Nations: The international organization represented by one of the flags
planted on the summit. The inclusion of the United Nations flag symbolizes the
spirit of global cooperation and unity in the climbers' endeavor.
16.
Switzerland: Mentioned indirectly as the home country of Tenzing Norgay's
friend Lambert, who gifted him a red scarf that Tenzing wore during the climb.
1. Tenzing Norgay: He is the narrator of the story and one of the two climbers who successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest. Tenzing Norgay was an experienced Nepali Sherpa mountaineer who had attempted to climb Everest several times before achieving success. He was chosen as part of the British-led expedition and played a significant role in leading the way and making the final push to the summit alongside Sir Edmund Hillary.
2.
Symbolism of Flags: Tenzing Norgay was entrusted with planting three flags
(Britain, the United Nations, and Nepal) on the summit by Colonel Hunt. He also
carried an Indian flag, symbolizing the international cooperation and the
shared accomplishment of the expedition.
3.
The Summit Ascent: Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary successfully reached
the summit of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953. The climb to the top was
physically demanding and required steady pace and perseverance.
4.
Humility and Unity: Both climbers emphasized that reaching the summit first was
not their main concern. They celebrated their success together, showing
humility and the importance of being a team rather than individual
achievements.
5.
Celebrations and Offerings: Upon reaching the summit, Tenzing Norgay celebrated
by offering prayers in his heart, placing offerings for God, and planting the
flags. He also carried a red scarf from a friend, Lambert, which he wore during
the ascent.
6.
Controversy and Pact: After reaching Kathmandu, a controversy arose about who
reached the summit first. To address this, Tenzing Norgay, Sir Edmund Hillary,
and Colonel Hunt signed a pact to maintain unity and not engage in public
disagreement.
7.
Climbing Down Safely: The descent from the summit was challenging and required
caution. Tenzing Norgay made sure that Sir Edmund Hillary descended safely,
showing their camaraderie and concern for each other's well-being.
8.
Gratitude and Reflection: Tenzing Norgay expressed gratitude to God for
fulfilling his long-held desire to reach the summit of Mount Everest. He also
reflected on his clear-mindedness and exhilaration at the summit.
9.
Climbing Challenges: The climbers faced various challenges during their ascent,
including navigating steep rock lines and snowy inclines. The ascent was slow
and difficult due to the treacherous terrain.
10.
The Role of Sherpa: Tenzing Norgay, a Nepali Sherpa mountaineer, played a
crucial role in leading the way and assisting the expedition due to his
experience and knowledge of the mountain.
11.
The Symbolic Rope: The climbers were tied together with a rope during their
ascent, symbolizing their connection and dependence on each other. The rope
represented the unity and shared responsibility of the climbing team.
12.
Embracing Success: Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary embraced each other
with joy upon reaching the summit, symbolizing their shared triumph and
accomplishment after years of attempts.
13.
Offering of Pencil: Tenzing Norgay placed offerings to God, including a little
blue pencil given by his youngest daughter Nima. This act of offering held
sentimental value for Tenzing, representing the love and support of his family.
14.
Importance of Preparations: The climbers carried specific equipment and
supplies, including flags, offerings, and provisions, showcasing the importance
of thorough preparations for such arduous expeditions.
15.
Impact on History: Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary's successful ascent
marked a historic achievement in mountaineering history. It captured the
world's attention and made them legendary figures in the field of
mountaineering.
16.
Gratitude and Safety: Both climbers expressed gratitude for being spared from
accidents during their descent. They reflected on the importance of safety and
the risks involved in mountaineering.
17.
Global Cooperation: The presence of flags from different countries, including
Britain, Nepal, India, and the United Nations, signified the international
cooperation and unity in their quest to conquer Mount Everest.
18.
Reverence for Nature: Tenzing Norgay appreciated the beauty and grandeur of the
mountains and the surrounding landscape. He described the view from the summit,
showing a deep reverence for the natural world.
These
additional main points further highlight the challenges, significance, and
experiences of Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary's remarkable journey to
the top of Mount Everest. Their expedition continues to inspire adventurers and
mountaineers around the world.
The
story begins at Camp Nine, where Tenzing Norgay expresses his determination to
reach the summit that day. He is accompanied by Sir Edmund Hillary, and
together they set out early in the morning. As they ascend, they alternate
leading the way. Tenzing, being the lead climber, cuts the steps and breaks the
path, while Hillary, the follower, acts as the anchor, supporting and securing
Tenzing.
During
the climb, Tenzing carries four flags - those of Britain, the United Nations,
Nepal, and India. Colonel Hunt, the leader of the British expedition, entrusted
him with the task of planting the first three flags at the summit. Tenzing
expresses his desire to carry the Indian flag with him and seeks Colonel Hunt's
permission, which is gladly granted.
The
climbers face challenges, especially when they have to pass up a steep line of
rocks. However, they push forward and eventually reach the snow-covered incline
leading to the summit. The final stretch of about sixty to seventy feet to the
peak is less dangerous but requires a steady pace. Finally, they both reach the
small, flattened summit almost simultaneously, tied together with a rope,
symbolizing their unity and dependence on each other throughout the climb.
Upon
reaching the summit, Tenzing Norgay experiences a sense of gratitude to God for
fulfilling his long-held desire. He places offerings for God, which include
biscuits, candy, and a little blue pencil gifted by his youngest daughter,
Nima. He offers a silent prayer in his heart and shares the joy of success with
Sir Edmund Hillary. Tenzing also plants the flags on the summit as instructed
by Colonel Hunt, symbolizing international cooperation and unity in their
achievement.
The
climbers take photographs to commemorate the momentous occasion and cherish
their success. They celebrate together, emphasizing the unity of their
accomplishment rather than individual glory. Tenzing reflects on the
insignificance of who reached the summit first, highlighting the importance of
teamwork and support during the climb.
Question and Answers on the lesson
"On to the Summit: We Reach the Top"
Q1:
Who were the two climbers who successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest
in the lesson?
A1:
The two climbers who successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest in the
lesson were Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary.
A2:
Tenzing Norgay, a Nepali Sherpa mountaineer, played a significant role in
leading the way and cutting the steps during the ascent. He was the lead
climber, and his experience and knowledge of the mountain were invaluable to
the expedition.
A3:
The flags carried by Tenzing Norgay symbolized the international cooperation
and unity in the climbing expedition. He planted the flags of Britain, the
United Nations, Nepal, and India on the summit to represent their achievement
on behalf of these countries.
Q4:
How did Tenzing Norgay celebrate reaching the summit of Mount Everest?
A4:
Tenzing Norgay celebrated reaching the summit by offering prayers to God in his
heart and placing offerings for God. He also planted the flags of the
respective countries and held a moment of joy with Sir Edmund Hillary.
A5:
The rope between Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary was symbolic because it
represented their connection and dependence on each other during the climb.
They were tied together, signifying their unity and the fact that they were not
two individuals but a team.
A6:
There was a controversy over who reached the summit first between Tenzing
Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary. To address this, they signed a pact with Colonel
Hunt, pledging not to engage in any public disagreements and maintain unity.
A7:
Tenzing Norgay carried a little blue pencil as an offering for God, given to
him by his youngest daughter, Nima. It was a sentimental possession of his
daughter, and he placed it on the summit as an act of love and respect.
A8:
Tenzing Norgay showed gratitude to God by offering prayers in his heart and
placing offerings, including biscuits, candy, and the blue pencil, on the
summit.
A9:
The weather conditions at the summit of Mount Everest were clear and beautiful,
allowing Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary to enjoy the view and take
photographs.
A10:
Tenzing Norgay's main thoughts on reaching the top were a sense of gratitude to
God for fulfilling his long-held desire and a feeling of exhilaration and
clear-mindedness. He also expressed the importance of teamwork and unity over
individual accomplishments.
A11:
Tenzing Norgay communicated their success to their teammates at Camp Eight by
raising his arm with a thumb-up gesture, indicating a successful summit ascent.
A12:
Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary did not engage in public controversies
regarding their ascent because they signed a pact to maintain unity and avoid
any disagreements. They believed in the importance of being a team rather than
focusing on individual achievements.
A13:
Colonel Hunt was the leader of the British expedition to Mount Everest. He
organized and led the team of climbers, including Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund
Hillary, and entrusted Tenzing with planting the flags on the summit.
A14:
Tenzing Norgay carried the Indian flag to the summit to represent his
nationality and show his pride and support for India as part of the
international expedition.
A15:
Tenzing Norgay described the view from the summit as magnificent, with all the
hills and mountains looking like Gods and Goddesses. The plains below looked
like broken pieces of the map.
A16:
The climbers faced challenges such as steep rock lines and snow-covered inclines
during their ascent to the summit. The climb was slow and difficult due to the
treacherous terrain.
A17:
The red scarf Tenzing Norgay wore was gifted by his friend Lambert, who was the
leader of the 1952 Swiss expedition. Tenzing wore it throughout the climb as a
reminder of his friend's support and presence.
A18:
Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary celebrated their success by embracing
each other with joy and taking photographs to commemorate the achievement. They
also planted the flags on the summit and offered prayers and offerings to God.
A19:
During the descent, Tenzing Norgay walked behind Sir Edmund Hillary and held
the rope tightly, ensuring that he descended safely. The climbers exercised
caution and took more care while climbing down to avoid accidents.
A20:
Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary's successful ascent of Mount Everest
marked a historic achievement in mountaineering history. They became legendary
figures and inspired future adventurers and mountaineers.
A21:
The rope used by the climbers during the ascent symbolized their unity and
connection. They were tied together, signifying that they were not two
individuals but a team, and they relied on each other's support throughout the
climb.
A22:
Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary did not consider who reached the summit
first as the most important aspect of their achievement because they valued
teamwork and unity over individual accomplishments. Their main thought was that
both of them reach the top together.
A23:
Tenzing Norgay offered silent prayers in his heart and placed offerings of
biscuits, candy, and a blue pencil as an act of religious observance upon
reaching the summit. This was in accord with his Buddhist beliefs.
A24:
The descent from the summit was more difficult and dangerous due to the need
for more caution. Climbers needed to be careful not to slip, as doing so could
result in falling into the Kangshung glacier, where there would be no trace
left of them.
A25:
Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary addressed the controversy by signing a
pact with Colonel Hunt, pledging not to engage in any public disagreements and
maintaining unity. They wanted to avoid any disputes and focus on the unity of
their accomplishment.
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