Into the Mild.ly Misguided In Jon Krakauer’s “Into the Wild,” Chris Mcandless’s life and journey is portrayed as a very complex exploration of ideals, self-discovery, and the human spirit. Shaun Callarmans quote, “I think that Chris McCandless was bright and ignorant at the same time. He had no common sense, and he had no business going into Alaska with his romantic silliness. He made a lot of mistakes based on arrogance. I don’t admire him at all for his courage, nor his noble ideas. Really, I think he was just plain crazy.” reflects a common perception that people have of McCandless. However, a deeper analysis of McCandless’s character, his motivations, and the experience he encountered on his journey, reveal a more nuanced understanding. One of the central themes in …show more content…
However, rather than Chris’s at home family situation, his actions partly stemmed from a genuine desire to live a life true to himself, as one of his journal entries read, “I have had a happy life and thank the Lord. Goodbye and may God bless all!” This entry reflects his gratitude for the life he lived, despite all of its challenges. Moreover, McCandless’s interactions with people along his journey, such as Ron Franz and Wayne Westerburg, highlight his impact on others and his ability to make meaningful connections. Westerberg acknowledges this when he says, “I can’t imagine anyone being more happy and content than he was that day.” This quote challenges the perception of Chris as merely self absorbed or ignorant, showing his ability to inspire and bring joy to those around him Additionally, McCandless’s quest for self reliance and connection with nature, reveals his depth of character and determination. While some may view his actions as arrogant or foolish, Chris’s experiences in the wilderness reflect a profound respect for the natural world and a desire to find meaning beyond materialistic