Examples Of Individualism In Into The Wild

Individualism

Mankind possesses a natural desire to be in touch with their inner self. In John Krauker's novel "Into the Wild", "Alexander Mccandles" tried to prove that the only way to truly be in touch with one's inner self is to be completely and totally isolated and or alone, but was faced with the truth that being completely self-reliant is impossible.

Within Krauker's novel the idea of self-reliance is rather prevalent. A young male named Chris Mccandless had a rather cushy life, but material items did not interest him and neither did the support of his parents, he was an intelligent man but rather stubborn. Mccandless had the idea that he could make it on his own in the Alaskan Bush completely alone without sufficient supplies.

" Alexander Mccandless" who is actually Christopher Mccandless, was a rather independent teen and then adult, he provided for himself even though his parents lived a lavish life, he didn't have many friends which further escalated the idea that he could be alone by himself for an extended period of time. According to Dr. Li. Associate professor of psychology at Singapore management University, " Spending time with friends is a very natural activity that was likely necessary for survival over millions of years ago." this statement qualifies the idea that "Alexander Supertramp Mccandless" needed social interaction regardless of whether he thought he did or not. In Alaska, specifically the part that Mccandless was in , Fairbanks/Mt.Mkinley, rarely had any tourists and had basically no population other than animals. There was no way to interact with another human whether it be just for social interaction or to get help in order to survive. Christopher Mccandless was not alone in the belief that complete self-reliance is real. A young man in Oregon named Johnathon Croom, only 19, was inspired by Krauker's novel "Into the wild" and even more motivated by the movie. The young man thought he could carry on Mccandless' legacy by going out into the Oregon Forest with meager supplies just as Mccandless had done. The boy died within the month he had gone missing. Croom's father had stated in the

The bush is an unforgiving place, however, that cares nothing for hope or longing. (4)" The primitive want and need to be in touch with oneself mentally, emotionally, and physically is what Alaska is a symbol of in "Into The Wild". When mankind feels insecure it is the biggest downfall within the human race, due to the fact that complete satisfaction and validation has not been secured. That idea brings light to the fact that complete self-reliance is not possible because one would be isolated from not only human interaction, but validation as well. Throughout the novel, it is repeatedly said that Mccandless was rather intelligent. To think that one can go out with meager supplies and into an area that is so desolate of resources and humans, does not seem like something an educated person would think. Mccandless communicated through letters/postcards with people who helped him along the way. "Hey Guys! This is the last communication you shall receive from me. I now walk out to live amongst the wild. Take care, it was great knowing you. ALEXANDER. (69) " By sending this letter and saying in a definite way that this IS the last communication that the reader will receive is a foreshadow into the fact that he KNEW his ideas were