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The Theme Of Chris Mccandless In Into The Wild

517 Words3 Pages

Alexander Tingley
Mr. Reynolds
English 11
7 June 2023

Admiration for Christopher McCandless

The protagonist of Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild, Christopher McCandless, known as "Alexander Supertramp," embarks on a journey that warrants admiration. In this essay, we will delve into how Chris's character, actions, idealism, and various opinions on his life and death make him an admirable figure.

Firstly, Chris's character exhibits determination and self-reliance, as he strives for genuine happiness within this book. Despite being a brilliant graduate of Emory University with numerous career paths, he refuses to let the 'American Dream' dictate his life. His trek to Alaska showcases his bravery and courage in facing an uncertain future and forging his path. This is shown by this quote, “We just have to have the courage to turn against our habitual lifestyle and engage in unconventional living,” (Krakauer). This journey is not only a departure from his comfort zone, but it also makes him self-sufficient, using the knowledge he acquired to create a home in Alaska and subsist off the land. …show more content…

This quote portrays his rule for his belongings, "that you should own nothing except what you can carry on your back at a dead run,” (Penn). He views the wilderness as a place of self-discovery, seeking the beauty and serenity of nature. Chris sees materialism and capitalism as the root causes of societal decay, and though there are opposing views on his idealism, his belief that life is about pursuing experiences rather than commodities is a principle worth

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