Mount Everest is an essential motif in Peak. The mountain is perceived in a variety of ways by different characters throughout the novel. Compare how the characters react to events on Mount Everest and how it changes their perception of the mountain. Describe how Josh feels about Mount Everest in comparison to Zopa. How does Peak feel about the mountain at the beginning of the novel, in comparison to how he feels at the novel’s conclusion? How does Teri, Peak’s mom, feel about the mountain and Peak’s attempt to climb it? How is the climb to the top of Mount Everest a symbol for the challenges of life? How does Mount Everest contribute to the themes of Friendship and Risk and Obsession?

Teaching Suggestion: Consider breaking the prompt into smaller sections to help students understand the different parts. You might ask students to first list the different characters in the novel, then ask them to describe how each character thought about and reacted to the various situations on Mount Everest. Then ask students to decide if Friendship or Risk and Obsession play a role in how the characters perceived Mount Everest. You can access additional information on symbolism and

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