Did McCandless Regret His Decision

"...he noted, 'HAPPINESS ONLY REAL WHEN SHARED'" (Krakauer 189).

Topic: Inspiration or Fool?

Initially, Chris McCandless wanted to get away from society, his family, and the mainstream world. He traveled to the Alaskan wilderness, where he could become one with nature and find peace. He was fine living with almost no material needed to survive. However, he would become weak, and the wilderness started to become a nightmare. Chris had no form of communication with others for help, he was growing weak, and weathers grew worse. This quote reveals a possible regret or change of mind in Chris. Chris might have realized that spending time with friends and family is more joyful and has a greater magnitude of happiness. Maybe he could not even experience happiness with his family since they neglected him growing up. Regardless, Chris's courage and use free spirit led to his legacy and inspiration to people around the world. Chris may not have shared his happiness, but he sure found it.

A Lost Family

"It didn't occur to me that the hiker might be Chris. Never even crossed my mind. It's ironic because when I read the article I thought, 'Oh, my God, what a terrible tragedy. I really feel sorry for the family of this guy, whoever they are. What a sad story.'" (Krakauer 101).

Topic: The Dynamics of Family

Sam McCandless, Chris's father, had no idea of where his son was. This shows the extreme neglect in the family. Everyone builds their traits, characteristics, and habits from how they are raised and the environment around them. Chris developed his independence and state of solitude as his father was abusive and had another family. Since Chris grew up in a hostile household, he started to just do as he wished. Before Sam found out that it was his son who died in the Alaskan wilderness, he felt terrible for the "person's" family. However, as he was telling the story, he did not seem as affected by this tragedy as a normal father would. It is sad that Chris was so innocent as a child, but his parents did not support him fully. So he abandoned his family and lived his last days in the middle of nowhere. Families must stick with each other through thick and thin. A family's purpose is to care for one another and help each other.

Preparation Makes Perfect

"Alex admitted that the only food in his pack was a ten-pound bag of rice. His gear seemed exceedingly minimal for the harsh conditions of the interior, which in April still lay buried under the winter snowpack..." (Krakauer 5).

Topic: Inspiration or Fool?
It can be inferred from this quote that Chris McCandless (A.K.A Alex) came to the Alaskan wilderness very unprepared. Some will think that Chris went wrong with his packing strategy, from the lack of food, hunting equipment, compasses, and clothing. He even denied advice from Gallien, a wilderness expert. This is an obvious reason for his death as well. However, Chris had always been a person of solitude and simplicity. He had always loved nature, and it seems that he just wanted to become one with nature and live his life in the wild. Although such critics think that wandering in the middle of nowhere with scarce equipment is unwise, Chris lived his life the way he wanted. He was happy where he was. After growing up with over-controlling parents, he became free-spirited in his own world. This can be motivation for high school students, who are not certain about their futures or are pressured by parents or others to pursue a certain career. If Chris was here today, he would shout, "Do what you love!"