GROUP THREE: CHAPTERS 16-END

12/20/2010

1.         Krakauer observes that it is not “unusual for a young man to be drawn to a pursuit considered reckless by his elders.” Identify two details from this chapter where McCandless exemplifies this observation. Explain whether or not McCandless would agree with Krakauer. Finally compare McCandless’ view with that of one of the following men mentioned in this chapter: Andy Horowitz, Gordon Samel, Roman Dial, Sir John Franklin.

2.         Do you believe McCandless is to blame for his own death? Explain your answer using two specific details from the chapter. Use quotations to support your response.

FINAL QUESTION: CONSIDER WITH THOUGHT AND PROVE YOUR ARGUMENT WITH EVIDENCE FROM THE TEXT. THIS WILL BE LONGER THAN A SHORT ANSWER QUESTION!!!!

Do you feel, as one letter writer did, that there is “nothing positive at all about Chris McCandless’ lifestyle or wilderness doctrine …surviving a near death experience does not make you a better human it makes you lucky” (116); or do you see something admirable or noble in his struggles and adventures? Was he justified in the pain he brought to family and friends in choosing his own solitary course in life?

38 Comments

Ashley Thalasinos

5/27/2011 02:50:23 am

Question 1,
Chris exemplifies Krakauer's observation when he enters the Alaskan territory. He had little knowledge on the dangers in the territory and went alone in his journey, which was another mistake that he made. His failure to prepare things such as bringing more food, more than likely caused his sudden death. He was a very ignorant person and did not like to be told what to do. He would have disagreed with Krakauer's observation though because he did not like to live safely and liked to live on the edge. Also this journey is similar to Franklin's because they both went into the wild without supplies and lived recklessly. They had little knowledge of what they were really getting themselves into and because of this, it caused him problems in the long run.

Ashley Thalasinos

5/27/2011 02:59:32 am

Question 2,
I feel that in a way Chris caused his own death because he should have prepared more before he took his journey by packing more food, knowing more about the Alasken territory, and dressing better for his adventure ahead. But i also feel that he did not cause his death because he was chasing his dream and he always wanted to make it to Alaska. He wanted to explore nature and be in his own world. Chris underlined " Life is a sacrefice" in one of the books he was reading so he knew that he had to make the best of his life and the way he did that was to explore nature.

Ashley Thalasinos

5/27/2011 03:07:37 am

Question 3,
I disagree with “nothing positive at all about Chris McCandless’ lifestyle or wilderness doctrine …surviving a near death experience does not make you a better human it makes you lucky” because Chris wanted to do this on his own, nobody pushed him to abandon his lifestyle and travel with no belongings. He obvisously did not survive his near death expericence because he did die but he died proud of the things he did accomplish, one being getting to Alaska. Living this lifestlye, made Chris think and learn from living alone in the wild.

Brandie Owen

5/27/2011 03:11:46 am

Question One---
When Krakuaer makes the statement that it is not “unusual for a young man to be drawn to a pursuit considered reckless by his elders,” I can easily relate that truth to Chris McCandless. One example of this is seen on page 173 when it is said “Unlike McCandless, however, I have in my backpack a 1:63,360-scale topographic map,”. There were many tools that Chris could’ve used in order to help him survive his adventure into the wild, however, he refused. I’m sure that one of the main reasons he refused is because he wanted to feel more self-reliant than he already was. Another example of this is found on page 177. On this page it talks about how Chris was ill-prepared for his trip into the wild. He could have used many resources such as other people, however, since he wanted to be considered independent he did not take advantage of the opportunities he had. Chris decided to go alone, and not take any companions with him, unlike Krakuaer. I do not think that Chris would agree with Krakuaer because Chris liked being alone, Chris wanted to rely on nature to protect and teach him, not other human beings. In comparison to Gordon Samel, Chris had completely different views. Gordon believed that if you were ignorant enough to put yourself in a tough situation when you knew what you were getting into then you had no right not accepting the consequences.

travis jenkins

5/27/2011 03:13:17 am

question one
Chris would not agree with Krakauer and his beliefs. Chris wanted to live without supervision and walk into the Alaskan wilderness without thinking. That was a very ignorant move and caused his death. He didn't bring extra food, which he needed to survive in the severe cold. This also contributed to his death.

travis jenkins

5/27/2011 03:15:40 am

question one cont.
Chris is like Franklin because they both wanted to go out and explore the world. They were both very determined and independent and did not like to be told what to do.

Brandie Owen

5/27/2011 03:15:51 am

Response to Ashley Thalasinos—Question One
I agree with you when you say that Chris’ choice to not consume his mind with knowledge of how to survive in the wilderness was a huge mistake. As humans, we often believe ourselves to be invincible, however, we are not. I definitely believe that ignorant is the right word to describe McCandless in his current situation. Living on the edge is okay every once in a while if that is what satisfies your soul, but putting yourself in such situations that could result in death is very ignorant.

Krista Keith

5/27/2011 03:15:57 am

1. McCandless is said to have wanted to take his trip to Alaska 'since he was little.' From Krakauer's description of McCandless' adventurous sprit, the fact that he has had an ambition to travel Alaska makes it seem less of a rebellious impulse, but more of a moral fulfillment for McCandless. I believe that McCandless had no intention of defying his elders like Krakauer seems to imply from his observation.

I did find it interesting in Chapter 16 that it mentions the books McCandless brings with him on his journeys. Three of the authors mentioned are Thoreau, Gogol, and Tolstory. Upon researching these three authors, I've learned that they all have quotes of deep human morality and human transcendentalism. the book sand McCandless is not much of a book reader, but the fact that he keeps books so deeply involved in transcendentalist behavior implies that he craves liberation from conformity, and seeks the thrill of self-sustainment.

I believe McCandless would not have agreed with Krakauer's statement. It implies that McCandless is just a reckless young man with no respect for his elders. Though that may be true in some right, the reason McCandless chose to take his Alaskan Voyage was not for moral victoy over his parents. He does not seem that shallow, and apparently has enough wit and skill to keep himself alive (of course, alive until he died.) in a horrendous environment. There is truth in Krakauer's statement, because the trip did seem rather whimsical and spontaeneous for a boy so young, when McCandless could've taken his trip at another date when he was better prepared. However, McCandless chose to do it in his youth and his inexperience could've caused his untimely death.

Ragan Moore

5/27/2011 03:17:57 am

Question 1--
Krakauer points out in this chapter that McCandless follows the quote that states, " unusual for a young man to be drawn to a pursuit considered reckless by his elders" because of the way he went about venturing in the wilderness. In the chapter Krakauer tells us this, " Unlike McCandless, however, I have in my backpack a 1;63,360-scale topographic map." Telling the reader that McCandless traveled without proper maps and didn't use a map to guide where he went. It is also stated that, "Unlike McCandless, too, I am here with three companions:" Stating that McCandless was wrong for traveling alone. These points are stated to show the reader the dangers that Chris went through out in Alaska could have been prevented if proper precautions would have been taken. However, I think Chris would disagree with these statements. McCandless went out in the wilderness to enjoy and experience it for himself. He wanted to feel what it was like to live without boundaries and that is what he did. He took proper gear, and was prepared for what was to come; but I think he took as little as possible to help him taken in every aspect, challenge, and adventure to this journey. In comparison with Roman Dial, McCandless and him were very similar. Roman says on page 185- " I guess I just cant help but to identify with this guy. I hate to admit it but not so many years ago it could easily ave been me..."

Brandie Owen

5/27/2011 04:58:11 am

Question Two---

I do believe that McCandless is responsible for his own death because he went into the wilderness knowing the possible consequences that could occur. He could easily have got himself out of the wild and went somewhere for safety before he got into as much trouble as he did. Chris loved adventure, and it even says that in his book Chris had underlined the phrase “Life is a sacrifice”. Page 181 says, “McCandless’s arrogance was not the same strain as Franklin’s.. he went too far in the opposite direction . He tried to live entirely off the country—and he tried to do it without bothering to master beforehand the full repertoire crucial skills,”. Chris was well aware of the sacrifice he was making when he decided to become self-reliant in the woods. Previously, when he sent letters to the people he loved or had met, he even told them phrases such as “If I never see you again”. This shows his knowledge of sacrifice, however, alck of knowledge to survive in the woods.

Brandie Owen

5/27/2011 06:18:30 am

Response to Ashley Thalasinos Question Two---

I also agree that Chris technically caused his own death because he was ignorant in the whole situation. Chris went into the wild without having a clue of how to survive. I understand that he was trying to find himself and become more self-reliant, but you can do both of those things without setting yourself up for death like Chris did. He also had multiple opportunities to get out of the wild. Many people offered him help, but every time he refused to accept it.

Brandie Owen

5/27/2011 06:34:41 am

Question Three---

I do not believe that there is “nothing positive at all about Chris McCandless’ lifestyle or wilderness doctrine …surviving a near death experience does not make you a better human it makes you lucky” (pg 116). I believe that there were many positive things Chris got out of his journey, which is why he intended to travel to Alaska in the first place. Chris had many struggles that the average person does not go through because we choose different paths, but I believe that he experienced what he needed to in order to satisfy his soul. There were many instances as to why I make this statement. For example, I noticed Chris’s change when I read the letter he sent to Ron on pages 56-58. Within this letter, Chris McCandless makes many great statements. He says, “So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to live a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all which appear to give a peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future,”. Unlike the household that Chris grew up in, he did not want to have everything mapped out perfectly for him. From being in the wild he gained experience with just letting things happen and not having to have things perfect. He also says in the letter “The joy of life comes from our encounter with new experiences,.. Don’t settle down in one place, be nomadic,”. From living in the wild, Chris has obviously found the thing that makes him happy. I do not think this justified the pain that he caused his family, but sometimes not following what we want to do can be more hurtful in the long run.

Brandie Owen

5/27/2011 06:54:01 am

Response to Ashley Thalasinos Question Three---

I also disagreed with the statement made about how nothing positive can come from Chris’s experience of surviving in the wilderness alone. Like you said, Chris wanted to do this alone which means he was obviously searching for something within him. Chris needed something that would satisfy his soul and he wasn’t sure exactly what that was. By going into the wild, even with the disapproval of his family and friends, at some point along the way he found what he was looking for.

Lindsay Whitaker

5/29/2011 01:01:29 pm

question 2:

I believe that Chris was responsible for his own death. He went to Alaska without even really thinking about it. He didn't have the equiptment he needed, nor did he have the knowledge of the surroundings he would face there. He may have had a better chance in survival if he would have accepted help when people offered it to him!

Lindsay Whitaker

5/29/2011 01:05:50 pm

reply to ashley (question 2):

I love how you used the quote "Life is a sacrafice". I believe that this quote works perfectly with the debate on wheather he was to blame for his own death. I think it works because it ties to his travel to Alaska. Chris went there not knowing anything about what he would face there. He went without equiptment and experience. In him traveling there, it was a complete sacrafice.

Justin

5/29/2011 10:25:03 pm

Question 1
Kraukner thought that Chris was being reckless. Chris was going out into the wilderness with few supplies and no help. I believe that Chris did this just to defy his elders and get out of the norm. I do not think Chris would have agreed with Kraukner because he believed he was doing the right thing by learning from nature.

Justin

5/29/2011 10:26:49 pm

question 2
I believe that Chris was the cause of his detah because he came into the wilderness with nothing to help him if he got into an emergency situation. I beleieve if Chris had come in a bit more prepared he would still be alive so it is his fault.

Justin

5/29/2011 10:29:19 pm

I believe Chris was stupid for going into the wild all by himself with out some sort of way to communicate with the outside world. I beleieve he could have been more cautious and packed more food and accepted help from the various people who offered it. I do not believe that Chris' family will ever get over the loss of their son's life. Chris made a big mistake and instead of him paying for it his parents and friends now have to.

justin

5/29/2011 10:30:43 pm

question 1
Reply to Travis
I believe that the whole reason Chris made this reckless move was to try to prove to everyone that he could do something this foolhardy

Justin

5/29/2011 10:32:35 pm

reply to Brandie question 2
I also believe that Chris was the cause of his own death because if he had brought something so he could get in touch with the outside world this would not have happened to him.

Ashley Thalasinos

5/30/2011 02:22:37 am

Reply to Brandie question 2,
I agree with you that he caused his own death because he did not have much knowledge on what he was really getting himself into. He could have prevented a lot of things that happened to him if he was more prepared.

Ashley Thalasinos

5/30/2011 02:26:59 am

Reply to Justion, question 3

I agree with you that Chris was dumb in a way to take on this journey and his parents now have to pay the consequences of his actions. But he also wanted to travel to Alaska so he died doing what he dreamed of doing.

Ragan Moore

5/30/2011 02:27:15 am

Question 2--
I believe that McCandless caused his own death. Chris didn't know how harsh the conditions were going into his experience. He knew there were dangers that he would have to face in order to to survive from day to day. On page 183 it says, " An extended stay in the wilderness inevitably directs one's attention outward as much as inward, and it is IMPOSSIBLE to live off the land without developing both a subtle understanding of, and a strong emotional bod with, that land and all it holds." Stating that McCandless couldn't have went into his adventure without having some previous knowledge to the conditions he was about to face. McCandless went into the woods to find adventure, but he didn't realize that he needed a background on his journey to help him survive. This was one factor to his death. On page 182, "McCandless, in his fashion, merely took risk-taking to its logical extreme." Saying that he took taking risks to a whole new level, using them as a day to day event. Rather than a challenge every now and then. Taking risks was part of his daily routines and he took them!

travis jenkins

5/30/2011 02:29:55 am

question 2
I believe that Chris partly caused his own death because he did no know the terrain hardly at all. He also did not dress for the adventure or pack extra food and supplies in case he ran out. But, he was just following his dream of living in the wild. He always wanted to go to Alaska and explore the unknown. I hink the reason he did not prepare well enough is beacuse he believed he could survive on little to nothing in the wild like Thoreau said transcendentalists did. THat is another reason for his death.

travis jenkins

5/30/2011 02:30:54 am

Ashley Thalasinos

5/30/2011 02:30:56 am

Reply to Lindsay, question 2,
I agree with you that Chris caused his own death because of his failure to prepare for his journey ahead.

Lindsay Whitaker

5/30/2011 02:31:13 am

question 1:

Teenagers always like to go against what their parents say. They want it to be known that they know what they are doing and can take care of themselves. On page 185, it says ",but I admire what he was trying to do. Living completely off the land like that, month after month, is incredibly difficult. I've never done it. And I'd bet you that very few, if any, of the people who call McCandless incompetent have ever done it either, not for more than a week or two...". This quote is showing that he is doing what others wouldn't even imagine doing! Another quote, on page 186, says "The older person does not realize the soul-flights of the adolescent. I think we all poorly understood Everett". This quote is showing that young peop-le sometimes take the wisdom of our elders for granted. This quote is said by Roman. He has a different view than McCandless.

travis jenkins

5/30/2011 02:35:27 am

respond to Ashley Thalasinos question 1
I agree that Chris took part in his own death. He did not prepare for his journey to Alaska like he should have. He did not bring extra food or dress for the journey.

Ragan Moore

5/30/2011 02:36:13 am

Question 3--
I think McCandless's journey was an admirable feat. It took courage and heart to make an attempt to travel through Alaska and the wilderness. In my eyes just thinking he could succeed is a success in its self. He has determination to accomplish his goals and he did accomplish them to the best he could. Focusing on what he wanted to achieve is what helped him get as far as he did. McCandless had a drive like none other. Giving up what could have been a successful, flourishing lifestyle to live on his own, walking through the world. I think the writer was wrong by saying there is "nothing positive at all about Chris McCandless’ lifestyle." Chris has a positive story about heart and determination can get you far. Even though he was intelligent, and could have been probably very wealthy it doesn't take those things to be happy. Chris was happy in the wilderness, and in the end his happiness and joy is what matters most. Through his journey he left a lot of friends and companions, along with his family as a whole. I don't agree with leaving your family completely no matter what, however, McCandless did what was best for him, and for his happiness.

Lindsay Whitaker

5/30/2011 02:38:49 am

question 3:

I see something admirable and noble in Chris' struggles and adventures in this book! He did something that was, of course, very risky, but he earned a valuable life experience that he would have never learned if he didn't take the opportunity of the journey. Although he struggled, he practiced taking care of himself and learned how to live on his own. He lived without having everything planned out for him. He got to experience his time on the journey without knowing what he would be faced with next, and that is exactly how he wanted it to be. He lived spontaneously and on the edge. I do not believe that he justified in the pain he brought to family and friends in choosing his own solitary course in life, but he got to live for himself for once, and he was glad that he got to take that chance.

Ragan Moore

5/30/2011 02:39:11 am

Reply to Brandie-- Question 2
I like the quote " Life is a sacrifice" that you used in your explanation. It shows that he was sacrificing his life for his own happiness. Pushing past all obstacles to reach his goal. The quote brings insight to what McCandless really wanted to achieve, and it also shows where his heart was, which was being in the wilderness.

travis jenkins

5/30/2011 02:40:25 am

reply to Ashley Thalasinos qustion 2
I agree that Chris caused hi own death in Alaska. He thought he could survive off of little to nothing in Alaska. He did not dress appropriately for the trip into the wild in the Alaska.

Ragan Moore

5/30/2011 02:42:46 am

Reply to Lindsay- Question 2
AGREED! He should have accepted help from people who offered it to him. Complete strangers would offer him items and he would turn them down. it isn't always a bad thing to accept help when you need it, and McCandless did need the help of others at some points. However, he chose not to take the help he was offered. I think if he would have taken the help he may have made it out alive, or changed his mind about the trip as a whole.

Lindsay Whitaker

5/30/2011 02:44:17 am

reply to brandie (question 1):

I agree that the reason that Chris didn't want to use the tools was because he wanted to feel more self-reliant than he already was. You are completely right. I believe that Chris wanted to prove himself. Even though he was alone and there was nobody to prove it to, I believe that he wanted to prove it to himself! I also agree with you when you said that Chris wanted to rely on nature to protect and teach him, not other human beings. I agree because nature was really the only thing he had to rely on!

Ragan Moore

5/30/2011 02:45:43 am

Reply to Lindsay- Question 3
I think you are completely right about McCandless' character. By him experiencing what he did he learned so much. He grew up and learned to become self- reliant. He had to do things for himself, and always be prepared for the worst. In the end he learned more about life in a span of a few months than most of us learn in a lifetime. McCandless is an admirable person!

Lindsay Whitaker

5/30/2011 02:50:12 am

reply to ragan (question 3):

I love how you describe the journey to Alaska as something that took courage and heart! It was a hard thing for him to do, but he wanted to go even though he knew how hard it would be! I agreed with you completely when you said that you don't agree with leaving your family completely no matter what, however, McCandless did what was best for him, and for his happiness. You made some great points in this blog! ♥

Krista Keith

5/30/2011 02:56:23 am

Question 2:

McCandless's death was likely caused by his inexperience. As the precious commenters have stated before me, McCandless was reckless in assuming his solidarity would enlighten him in becoming a more self-reliant human. He truly believed that experience in individualism was gained through putting yourself in harsh situations.

As I pointed out in my question 1 answer, McCandless had an affection for transcendentalist authors. Even in Chapter 6's quote, it says he highlighted a specific quote from Thoreau. He carried these books to learn about the morality of individualism and the romanticism of solidarity. He believed morality was obtained through research and personal trial. I believe this extreme view of personal gain led to his death. In chapter 16, it mentioned the specific authors he carried and that he chose to keep these books than trade them for a wilderness map or a compass.

On page 165, I found it interesting that it mentioned the place of McCandless' death was in the middle of a national highway and the huge tourist concourse of Denali Park. It states McCandless was about thirty miles from the highways and fifteen from the tourist spot. Within six miles were several cabins that seemed to not be occupied in 1992, the year McCandless was in Alaska. I wonder if McCandless wasn't aware he was near these areas, or he WAS aware and chose not to pursue them for the sake of continuing his journey in solidarity.

Believing McCandless chose not to go to the highway or the Denali National park could imply that he was indeed suicidal, and sincerely had no energy left to go to those areas for assistance.

kenzi schitty

10/26/2011 10:27:34 am

question three is so hard i need heeelp!

GROUP THREE: CHAPTERS 16-END

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