Transcendentalism In Into The Wild, By Jon Krakauer

In the novel Into the Wild written by Jon Krakauer, it becomes apparent that some claim Christopher McCandless had “courage and noble ideas,” whereas others state that he was “a reckless idiot” and “a wacko,” but the question still remains, is he really a transcendentalist? Transcendentalism is a philosophy stating that spiritual things are much more real than material things and the basic human experience. Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau are two of the most important transcendental enthusiasts who shaped the beliefs of this ideology. Emerson founded the Transcendental Club and led the whole movement in the mid-19th century. He, as well as his friend, Thoreau -- an avid abolitionist -- wrote strong transcendental pieces explaining

Like Thoreau, Chris believed that he was too good to follow what the government tells him to do. They both believed that governmental rule is ludicrous and should have no effect on how they choose to live. McCandless showed his view of government on several instances. One act that showed how civilly disobedient Chris was is when he burnt all his money. Destruction of money is, and even was at the time, against the law, yet Chris decided that since he did not need to money, there is no point in keeping it around, therefore he burnt it. Another act where he went against the rules of government is when he refused to get a license in order to kayak down a river. The man in charge told him that he needed to receive a license before they would allow him on the water. McCandless, not having the necessary identifications he needed in order to get a license, rebelled and found a way onto the water anyway. These are the acts that Thoreau finds to be exhilarating. In the final paragraphs of “Civil Disobedience,” Thoreau begins to compare the government to a machine. He states the the general public should, “break the law” and “let your life be a counter-friction to stop the

The man who took McCandless to the edge of Denali Park, Jim Gallien, was concerned for McCandless because he knows, as an “accomplished hunter and woodsman,” that this backpack was “an improbably light load for a stay of several months in the backcountry,” (Krakauer 5). He offered to take Chris to get more supplies and food for his trip, but Chris declined and stated, “I’ll be fine with what I’ve got,” (Krakauer 6). Chris believed that all he needed in order to survive was the few supplies he brought with him and his natural instincts. In “Self Reliance,” Emerson applauds this type of thinking. He states “Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.” He believes that believing in yourself is a key way to survive, and that anyone can do whatever they want if they just go with what their heart tells them to do. In the last picture taken of Chris McCandless while he was alive, it is evident that he struggled immensely while out on his own. He looks as though he weighs below 100 pounds and his face is just sunken in from the lack of food and nutrients he was receiving, but by really looking at his face, it becomes evident that he was truly at peace and happy. Through all the physical pain, Chris has a bright smile and his eyes show nothing but pure pleasure. Emerson statement that “a man is relieved and gay when he has put