The woods can change a person’s way of life. May people can account that they are forever changed, and that the way they process situations and perceive the world are entirely different. Not only that, but the wild can provide numerous opportunities to learn new information, even things they never knew about themselves. Franklin Crabbe retained a lot of new information from his time spent in the forest that he will be able to use upon his return to civilization. Firstly, Crabbe learned about placing blame. Secondly, he learned about responsibility, and finally, his addiction and how to overcome it. Firstly, Crabbe blamed every single person he could think of for his miserable life. Crabbe learned a lot about what he was actually doing …show more content…
However, Crabbe was a semi-alcoholic and drank almost every day. Crabbe realized just how addicted he was to Silent Sam after he went cold turkey in the woods. For example, Crabbe had nervous ticks and shakes. Crabbe also admitted, “I get bitchy and full of anxiety. It comes in spells,” (Bell 81). Crabbe now acknowledges he was an alcoholic. Because of this, Crabbe can recognize the signs of dependence and could offer help to others so they do not end up as he has. Crabbe also learned how to beat his addiction. Mary offered him a beautiful pipe and a tin of tobacco. Mary explained that if Crabbe took a smoke whenever he needed a drink, and so long as he was careful not to inhale the smoke, it could help him and be a lot less addicting. Back to civilization, Crabbe’s employer Brighton invited him on a wilderness trip to help boys avoid bad influences. Crabbe decided to go, and he could help them by offering the same advice that Mary gave to him. Therefore, Crabbe learned more about his addiction than he ever thought …show more content…
Crabbe understood that blame was just an excuse as to not have to take responsibility for his actions. Not only that, but he also learned to be responsible, especially after he couldn’t make a fire on the account of wet matches. Crabbe finally learned that he was very addicted to his pal Silent Sam, and he did find out how to overcome his constant cravings. Crabbe was a young man with access to anything he desired, but he wanted to control his own life. So, he went alone into the wilderness. As you can clearly see, a wilderness survival trip really can change a person’s way of life