Chris Mccandless In Into The Wild By Jon Krakauer

Two Stubborn People

Chris McCandless, the main character in Into The Wild, a biography written by John Krakauer, was depicted as a disconnected, selfish, and mentally unwell person. Even though I am not fond of Chris, I see my mom in him. These traits do not encapsulate my mother whatsoever, but they do share some similarities. Both go on ventures often and very suddenly. Both love being immersed in nature. Both have very charismatic personalities that allure others. Most importantly, both individuals are extremely stubborn.

Based on my analysis of McCandless, he was very sporadic. He did everything on a whim. In the first chapter, we get a glimpse of this right away. He’s ready to venture off into the wilderness with nearly nothing. In the

Despite the seemingly random nature of this, my mother is well informed. My mother loves and cares about the people in her life and will always make sure to check in on her loved ones and ensure she's safe and well. McCandless, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to have any concern for the people he connects with. He leaves, barely reaches out, and causes people heartache. After finding out that Chris had died, the news eventually got to his family. In chapter 12 we see their reaction and his mom Billie says, “I just don't understand why he has to take those kinds of chances. I just don't understand it at all”(132). His drive to be on the move 24/7 was more important than making sure the people he had an impact on were comfortable with his

Similarly, McCandless was constantly hitchhiking around the state looking for something new to experience. Both my mom and McCandless are very passionate about having this sense of freedom to go out and connect with the land. Since they both seek this freedom, they both don't like to be told what to do and what not to do. This brings a trait of stubbornness.They’re both the type to make sure that no one gets in their way.

Another similarity they share is that they’re both very charismatic and outgoing. Although Chris was an oddball, he had good conversations with people he met along the way. In chapter 7 he meets with Wayne Westerberg, a former employer and friend, in Carthage. In his time there he went out to a bar and was the life of the party. He was described as “outgoing and extremely personable when the spirit moved him”(65). For my mother, the same thing applies. She has this quirkiness and compassion that’s infectious. Her friends and family confide in her and love is in her