Into the Wild #5

Everyone has positive and negative traits, but Chris McCandless's positive ones were adventurous, independent, and friendly. These traits brought out the best side of his personality, and were what pushed him to explore and decide on his not thoroughly planned trip to Alaska, which are his adventurous trait. However, his independence is what made him want to strive to be his own person and make his own decisions. But his friendlyness got him to meet more people, which made him a likeable person. However, his negative traits were selfish, stubborn, and reckless. He was selfish, and would not even dream of listening to anyones advice before going for the trip. Also, he was stubborn and did not anyones help; he would rather go with nothing or be capable of provinding for it himself. He was reckless by choosing to do whatever he pleased and going out on a limb, without giving any intellictual thought into it. I believe the trait that outweighed all of the others would be his adventurous trait. He longed for adventure and living life without any regrets and this trait I believe describes him perfectly.

Krakauer and Chris had many similarities and had a personal connection. Some similarities were "Climbing mattered(134)",  "I dissapoint my father in unusual ways (134)", they both went on an exciting journey, "Like McCandless, figures of male authority aroused in me a confusing medling of corked fury and hunger to please(134)", and they also had the same views of life. Their differences were different ages, Krakauer lived when he attempted and succeeded in his journey, "At loss for what I do next... (137)" Chris never really planned anything, he just did it on a whim. Also, the author seemed interested in girls, at least more that Chris when claimed, "A tall, loose-limbed woman walked up... (137)" Finally, Chris worked numerous jobs before he left for Alaska, unlike Krakauer who just worked one.

Into the Wild #4

I never expected Chris McCandless to get a job at McDonald's. There are many possiblities to why Chris wanted that job. One reason I  assume he wanted that particular job at McDonald's was to remind him of why he chose to go to Alaska. He did not want to live the normal or expected life anymore; I believe that is why he chose somewhere where he would be positive that he wanted a life in the wilderness. I grasp that Chris was triggered by the life of simplicity without society. Chris's colleages described him as a good worker, however, he prefered to go his own pace. They also saw him as a stinky homeless man, whom they pittied. I do not think Chris cared whether the people were there or not. My reaction to him would have been to listen to his thoughts, and try to understand them from his point of view.

Chris was admired by Jan and Bob Burres. It was stated that Jan often did not like guests, however, hit it off from the start. They got along so well with Chris because they found him civilized and interesting. He got along with them so well because they did not force their opinions on him, instead they listened to what he had to say.

I believe Ronald Franz was one of the most affected by Chris's death than anyone because he had become attached to the boy. He was lonely and enjoyed his company. He would have loved more than anything for Chris to have been his grandson.

Into the Wild #3

Chris McCandless: 1. determined, 2. friendly, 3. adventurous, 4. believed you should only own what you can carry, 5. hard worker, 6. grew up in Virginia, 7. loved his car, 8. caring, 9. gave money to charities, 10. loved to explore, 11. brave, 12. smart, 13. well educated, 14. enjoyed nature, 15. believed you didn't mean money to survive, 16. loves his sister, 17. enjoyed being free, 18. wanted to go to Alaska, 19. kept in touch with people he stayed with for a couple of days, and 20. determined.

I was shocked that he did not truthfully tell his parents goodbye, and that he led them to believe he was coming back. I can infer from the letter that he does not necessarily have respect for his parents, because they believe that they could buy Chris's respect. I also feel that he does not have a close relationship with his family, and he does not like them taking part in his decisions. When he told his family that he was going to dissapear for awhile I believe he never intended to come back. I believe some of his motivations for taking on a competely different life is because he wanted to make his own destiny. Possibly, he was not satisfied with the life he was currently living and wanted to experience the wilderness, and just being free. He could have just wanted to make his own choices, and be free from what was currently holding him down.

Into the Wild #2

After reading thus far, I feel that Chris assumed he could live and that he was prepared enough for the wilderness. He could have considered the book of edible plants was possibly enough to get by. I think that Chris was trying to prove that anyone could live simply, without much equipment or contact with the outside world. I think Jon Krakauer was trying to make a point by starting the novel at the end. My opinion was the author was trying to get a specific point across, that could possibly change the readers view of the protoganist. Also, I believe the author wanted us to make our own predictions about the book. Instead of seeing the reason for his departure, the reader has to speculate and contemplate his justification for traveling into the freezing wilderness. My reaction to McCandless's S.O.S note completely suprised me. I did not expect the story to start like that, but I liked it. It gave the book a twist I did not expect. The novel mesmerized me, and I want to continue reading to find out what happens.

Into the Wild #1

From what I have read currently read, I am not sure how I feel about Alex McCandless. I understand how some may consider him "a wacko." He went into the wilderness with few supplies and expected to make it out alive. Everyone should know to have extensive knowledge and effecient planning for this type of dangerous trip. Also, he burned all of the money in his wallet and gave 24,000 dollars to charity; however, the charity is a good thing. Although, when you notice that he has exceeding money; it may seem different to him. Maybe, he would like to understand life without money and not have anything he asked for handed to him. I feel that was his goal for going out into Alaska without having any contact with the outside world. I assume that he was tired of having every aspect of his life handed to him on a silver platter, and he wanted to be able to make his decisions not because of money. He had plenty of courage going out into the freezing wilderness, without having contact with the outside world. I know for a fact that I could not have possibly even fathomed the idea. I have not decided if Alex was crazy or admirable, that is the question I have been keeping in mind.