n Cheryl Strayed's memoir "Wild," her transformative journey along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) can be viewed as a departure from traditional road trip narratives. While the trail itself may not be analogous to a literal road, it serves as a metaphorical road, enabling Strayed to explore themes of self-discovery, healing, and liberation. Rather than adhering to conventional road trip tropes, "Wild" offers a unique perspective on the transformative power of nature and personal exploration. The trail can be seen as analogous to the road in the sense that it represents a path to self-discovery and personal growth. Just as a road trip often entails encountering diverse landscapes and people, the PCT exposes Strayed to a wide array of challenges and encounters. Through her physical and emotional journey along the trail, Strayed navigates her own inner terrain, confronting her past traumas, and finding healing and redemption. The trail becomes a symbol of self-exploration, providing a sense of direction and purpose in her life. …show more content…
While Steinbeck and Least Heat-Moon embark on their journeys in vehicles, Strayed undertakes her adventure solely on foot, carrying a heavy backpack and relying on her own physical strength and resilience. This distinction emphasizes the raw and immersive nature of her experience, as she confronts the elements and her own limitations, ultimately discovering her inner strength and