By Jon Krakauer Into the Wild Jon Krakauer
By Jon Krakauer Into the Wild
Jon Krakauer Born in 1954 Grew up in Corvallis, Oregon Began mountaineering as an 8 year old Graduated from Hampshire College in 1976 As a young adult, he spent most of his free time in the mountains
Jon Krakauer § Spent three weeks climbing a new route alone on the Devils Thumb in Alaska in 1977. § Was one of only two survivors of a storm encountered on an expedition returning from the summit of Mount Everest.
Plot: Part 1 The book begins with the discovery of Christopher Mc. Candless' body inside an abandoned bus near Fairbanks, Alaska. The novel retraces his travels during the two years he was missing. The journey starts with Chris hitting the road and heading west, where he explores all around the western states and Mexico. Chris changes his name to Alexander Supertramp. He heads to Carthage, South Dakota where he works from time to time for extra money. Throughout the remainder of the novel, Chris refers to South Dakota as his home.
Plot: Part 2 The author explores the similarities between Mc. Candless' experiences and his own as a young man, recounting in detail his own attempt to climb the Devils Thumb in Alaska. He also relates the stories of some other young men who vanished into the wilderness, such as Everett Ruess, an artist and wanderer who went missing in the Utah desert during 1934 at age 20. In addition, he describes at some length the grief and puzzlement of Mc. Candless's family and friends.
Plot: Part 3 Mc. Candless survived for approximately 112 days in the Alaskan wilderness, foraging for edible roots and berries, shooting an assortment of game and keeping a journal. Chris planned to hike to the coast, but the boggy terrain of summer proved too difficult and he decided instead to camp in a derelict bus. In July, he tried to leave, only to find the route blocked by a melted river. Toward the end of July, after apparently remaining healthy for more than three months, Mc. Candless wrote a journal entry reporting extreme weakness and blaming it on "potato seeds".
Chris Mc. Candless aka Alexander Supertramp § Chris believed that man can only find true happiness living on the road and relying on the land for sustenance, without luxury or superficial relationships. § A rebellious freethinker who resented the strict rules of society. § Idealistic § Independent § Courageous
Walt Mc. Candless Professional Naive Unobservant Walt, Chris’ father, is accustomed to calling the shots. He even went as far as deciding what Chris would do with his future. His traditional values meant that Chris would live the mundane life of high school, college and then work. Walt didn’t appreciate Chris’ rebellious qualities.
Modern society has suppressed man’s inherent desire to live surrounded by the dangers and intensity of the wilderness. “ Two years he walks the earth. No phone, no pool, no pets, no cigarettes. Ultimate freedom. . No longer to be poisoned by civilization he flees, and walks alone upon the land to become LOST IN THE WILD. ” – Alexander Supertramp May 1992 Everyone has memories of their childhood that involves climbing trees or spending hours outside, but somewhere down the road these activities get labelled “childish” and we lose touch with our fascination of nature.
True happiness can be found in the many relationships that we establish over the course of our lives. Every good memory that we have is shared by someone else, a friend, a family member or even a pet. “And so it turned out that only a life similar to the life of those around us. . . is genuine life, and that unshared life is not happiness. ”
Into the Wild is. . . An intimate recount of a young mans life that is sure to change your outlook on the meaning of success and life in general. An exciting adventure through the United States, Mexico and Alaskan bush. A novel that is certain to ignite the rebellious soul inside you and send you on a quest to find yourself.
Find your way. . . Into the Wild
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