Peace in the Wild

"On the other side if the page, which was blank, McCandless penned a brief adios: "I HAVE HAD A HAPPY LIFE AND THANK THE LORD. GOODBYE AND MAY GOD BLESS ALL!" (Krakauer 136).

Topic: Inspiration or fool?

     In the end, the only thing that matters is if you were happy with your life or not. Chris was happy with the life he chose. Chris was a true inspiration because he accomplished his goal of living alone in the wild. Although it is argued that he was a fool for not being well prepared, he found peace and happiness on his journey. Chris wrote that he was scared after his food supply was going scarce, but he continued to fight for his life, no matter the consequences. McCandless was an inspiration because he was brave enough to live on his own in the wild. A lot of people have dreams, but fail to reach them because they are scared of failure. Chris had no fear. Chris lived life to the fullest, and left the world with a final picture of him smiling to prove it.

The Lone Wolf

"He chose instead to make a secret of his dark knowledge and express his rage obliquely, in silence and sullen withdrawal" (Krakauer 123).

Topic: Family Dynamics

     Everyone has a secret life they don't show anyone; they keep it to themselves. It is the life we keep to ourselves, and ourselves only. Chris kept a lot of secrets and feelings to himself. Chris, "wouldn't tell us what was on his mind and spent more time by himself" (Krakauer 121). Having only Carine and unreliable parents, Chris only felt the need to talk to Carine because she was the only person he would be serious around. By having only one person to lean on, Chris became arguably less social and had more alone time. As Chris matured and slipped away from his parents' lives, he stayed in touch with his sister, but his letters to her became less frequent as time went by. While everyone thought Chris' actions were unusual, he thought otherwise because he didn't care about rules or anyone's opinions. People who keep secrets don't want to talk about them; they would rather continue doing what they are doing. Chris lived independently and found comfort when he was alone.

"Just get out and do it. You will be very, very glad that you did." The Chris McCandless Mentality

"...And then, once the time is right,with one abrupt, swift action I'm going to completely knock them out of my life. I'm going to divorce them as my parents once and for all and never speak to either one of those idiots again as long as I live" (Krakauer 64).

Topic: Family Dynamics

     Many people have had a rough childhood. Others want to escape their rough past and live a life on his/her own. Chris McCandless and his sister, Carine, have had issues with their parents their whole lives. Chris' plan, as he grew up, was to cut all ties with his parents as soon as he was able to. In his letter to Carine, Chris says he is done dealing with his parents and wants them out of his life forever. Young Chris wanted to be independent, but his stubborn father always wanted to control him and tell him what he could and could not do in life. Chris, now finished with school, realizes he is mature enough, and able to live his own life; his first step was to shut out his parents. By cutting these ties, Chris feels a sense of freedom and happiness. This happiness fills his spirit and everyone he meets on his long journey across the nation. Chris even changes his name to Alex to show that he does not want any reminder of his parents. Chris is on his own, one with nature, and he lives with the mindset; to live a happy, independent life.