Comprehension of 'Into the Wild' Film Clip

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Questions and Answers

What cultural values are highlighted by the ceremonial dress code in American universities?

Innovation and creativity

Freedom and democracy (correct)

Modernism and individualism

Radicalism and rebellion

Which aspects of military culture are emphasized during the commencement ceremonies at Emory?

Collaboration and teamwork

Diversity and inclusion

Celebration and relaxation

Social control and regimentation (correct)

What does the procession during the graduation ceremonies symbolize according to the description?

A grand medieval army on parade (correct)

A demonstration of academic equality

A celebration of artistic expression

A modern corporate corporation

What is the significance of the mace carried by the bedel during the graduation ceremony?

It symbolizes the institution as a corporate body of scholars Signup and view all the answers

Which musical element was noted to initiate the martial atmosphere at the commencement?

The wail of a single bagpipe Signup and view all the answers

The tightly packed rows of the audience at graduation ceremonies reflect which of the following?

Regimentation and social control Signup and view all the answers

What imagery is used to describe the attire of faculty at graduation ceremonies?

Antiquated garb Signup and view all the answers

The band moving towards the viewers during the ceremony represents what kind of attitude?

Self-assured and conquering Signup and view all the answers

What does the adjective 'formal' in 'the formal gates of their colleges' suggest about the college environment?

A sense of institutional control and authority Signup and view all the answers

How does the imagery of 'strolling out / under the ochre sandstone arch' contribute to the theme of confinement?

It contrasts freedom with physical limitations Signup and view all the answers

What implication arises from the phrase 'red tiles glinting like bent / plates of blood'?

Beauty masks underlying danger and violence Signup and view all the answers

In referencing 'standing at the formal gates,' what overarching theme is suggested about societal expectations?

Society imposes restrictions and limitations Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the mindset of the graduates mentioned in the poem?

They have a naive and innocent outlook on life Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the phrase 'they are kids, they are dumb' in the context of the poem?

Ignorance of youth is emphasized Signup and view all the answers

What does the mention of 'they are going to do things you cannot imagine you would ever do' suggest?

An awareness of the unpredictability of life Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'strolling out' imply about the father's action?

He was moving leisurely outside. Signup and view all the answers

How does the imagery surrounding the gates and arches reflect the larger socio-political environment of 1937?

It illustrates the tension prior to the Second World War Signup and view all the answers

How does the imagery of 'red tiles shining like twisted blood plates' contribute to the overall theme?

It introduces a contrast between beauty and violence. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the parents' state during their graduation?

They are naive and unaware of the realities ahead. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the setting of May 1937 play in this narrative?

It signifies a period of historical change and uncertainty. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'they are idiots' imply about the speaker's view of the graduates?

They lack intelligence and understanding of their situation. Signup and view all the answers

The description of the mother holding 'thin books' symbolizes what aspect of her character?

Her superficiality in pursuing education. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the phrase 'pointed swords glistening in the May air'?

It emphasizes danger lurking in a seemingly safe environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect best captures the duality present in the poem?

The tension between youth and the realities of adulthood. Signup and view all the answers

What realization does McCandless express about his journey after two years?

He views it as a spiritual revolution. Signup and view all the answers

What does McCandless's refusal to kill the reindeer ironically suggest about his character?

He remains too attached to his civilized past. Signup and view all the answers

How does the film visually represent the graduation ceremony?

With a solemn and military atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'glinting' imply in the context of the text?

Aggression and violence Signup and view all the answers

What do the tiny bricks symbolize in relation to the parents?

Alienating social structures Signup and view all the answers

What is signified by the presence of military airplanes during McCandless's reflections?

A contrast to his escape from civilization. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does McCandless's statement about civilization reflect his overall mindset?

He perceives it as toxic and oppressive. Signup and view all the answers

How does the description of the wrought-iron gate enhance the theme of exclusion?

It signifies a strong barrier to entry Signup and view all the answers

What irony is present in the statement about the kids being innocent?

They unknowingly perpetuate societal violence Signup and view all the answers

How does the graduation ceremony visually convey formality?

Through the attire of the participants and procession. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'sword-tips aglow in the May air' suggest?

An impending sense of danger and violence Signup and view all the answers

What does McCandless's reference to 'Alexander Supertramp' indicate about his identity?

He has fully embraced a new persona. Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the phrase 'still open behind her' regarding the college gates?

The hopes for freedom are waning Signup and view all the answers

The reference to 'glinting blood-red tiles' serves to reinforce which theme?

Disillusionment and darkness Signup and view all the answers

How does the imagery of the institution contribute to the overall message of the poem?

It critiques social rigidity and oppression Signup and view all the answers

What is Chris's attitude towards the idea of receiving a new car?

He expresses indifference and rejection to the idea. Signup and view all the answers

How does Billie react to Chris's graduation and potential future at Harvard Law?

She expresses pride and offers financial support. Signup and view all the answers

What does Chris prioritize over material possessions?

The safety and functionality of his belongings. Signup and view all the answers

Which literary figures does Chris admire and relate to?

Tolstoy, Jack London, and Thoreau. Signup and view all the answers

What does Chris's behavioral reaction to his parents suggest about his character?

He is independent and values self-reliance. Signup and view all the answers

What concern does Billie express regarding Chris's current car?

Its safety and condition. Signup and view all the answers

How does the dialogue depict the family dynamics between Chris and his parents?

There is tension and disagreement over values. Signup and view all the answers

What does Carine's voice-over reveal about Chris's relationship with others?

He feels a strong loneliness despite his connections. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key to the Written Expression, Listening, and Reading Comprehension Exercises

Extract 2: Focuses on comprehension of a short film clip about Christopher McCandless
Question 1: Fill in and translate McCandless's quotes.
- Example quote: "So now, after two rambling years, comes the final and greatest adventure: the climactic battle to kill the false being within and victoriously conclude the spiritual revolution."
- Translated quote example: "Ainsi, après deux années de vagabondage, voici la dernière et la plus grande des aventures: l'ultime combat mené pour tuer l'être intérieur factice et conclure victorieusement la révolution spirituelle.
Question 2: Explain irony in the scene, specifically the reindeer episode and the airplane scene.
- Reindeer: McCandless's reluctance to kill a female reindeer with a calf, despite having a carving on a previous scene depicting himself as having killed his civilized self, signifies that he is too civilized and sensitive to survive completely in the wild.
- Airplanes: The depiction of military airplanes juxtaposes with McCandless's claim of leaving civilization, highlighting the irony.

Graduation Ceremony

Emphasis: The film emphasizes the formality and solemnity of the ceremony, portraying it as a militaristic event.
Symbolism: Graduation ceremonies at Washington University are associated with the freedom and democracy of scholarship.
Style: The scene shows the marching band and students in the ceremonial attire, with close-ups focusing on the solemnity of participants who uphold a strict social hierarchy.

Poem ("I Go Back to May 1937")

Images linking violence/oppression: Formal gates, the ochre sandstone arch, the red tiles that shine like blood plates, the pillar of tiny bricks.
Connection to Title: The images in the first 12 lines represent the idea of institutional/social confinement and repression and foreshadows the violence and potential for societal conflict in the future.
- Example: "standing at the formal gates of their colleges" signifies a limitation on freedom and represents a clear conflict between freedom and social hierarchy.
Possible interpretation: The poem suggests that the perceived innocence and harmlessness of youth hides the internalization of societal violence and cultural oppression that future violence and conflict are almost inevitable within the society.

Family Lunch Scene

Dialogue snippets: Provides short extracts from the dialogue at the family's lunch, focusing on characters' interactions and conversation.
Focus: Reveals important information about financial support and Chris's future goals or ambitions during the conversation.

Carine's Voice-Over

Commentary: The voiceover commentary emphasizes McCandless's desire for independence and his companionship found within literature and historical figures.
Quotes: Gives further insights into Chris's intellectual growth through the use of literature.

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Description

This quiz focuses on understanding key quotes and themes from the film clip about Christopher McCandless. Participants will translate quotes and analyze scenes, such as the reindeer episode and the irony presented in the airplane scene.