Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who is the author of 'White Fang'?
Who is the author of 'White Fang'?
What realization does Dr. Zhivago have about happiness?
What realization does Dr. Zhivago have about happiness?
Happiness is only real when shared.
What does Thoreau's epigraph discuss?
What does Thoreau's epigraph discuss?
The beauty in everything and avoiding a normal lifestyle.
What was one of the few items McCandless had with him?
What was one of the few items McCandless had with him?
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What does the epigraph from 'Family Happiness' express?
What does the epigraph from 'Family Happiness' express?
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What is Stegner's view on adventure as described in his epigraph?
What is Stegner's view on adventure as described in his epigraph?
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Who is the central character in 'The Call of the Wild'?
Who is the central character in 'The Call of the Wild'?
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What does Huck's epigraph in 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' symbolize?
What does Huck's epigraph in 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' symbolize?
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Study Notes
Allusions in "Into the Wild"
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Jack London, White Fang
- Depicts the Wild with "a laughter that was mirthless as the smile of the Sphinx."
- Represents an allegory of mankind's transition from nature to civilization.
- Foreshadows the discovery of Chris McCandless's body and hints at themes of enlightenment.
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Dr. Zhivago
- Last book McCandless read, emphasizing the idea that happiness is only real when shared.
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Thoreau
- Discusses individuals losing beauty in life due to routine.
- Connects to McCandless's motivations and his encouragement for Ron to adopt a simpler lifestyle.
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Plant Book
- One of the few items McCandless possessed during his journey.
- Led to the realization of having ingested a poisonous plant.
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Leo Tolstoy, Family Happiness
- Explores love felt through life's adventures.
- Enhances the understanding of McCandless's decisions and motivations throughout his journey.
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Wallace Stegner, The American West as a Living Space
- Captures the essence of adventure and inherent freedom.
- Offers insight into McCandless's drive to explore the wild and seek liberation in his travels.
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The Call of the Wild by Jack London
- Highlights the character "Buck" and his evolution through a primal existence.
- Relates to McCandless's inner primal instincts and their influence during his time in Alaska.
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The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
- Addresses Huck's departure from family without clear motive, reflecting uncertainty.
- Mirrors McCandless's choice to leave his old life without explaining his actions to his family.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the literary allusions found in Jack London's works, particularly in 'Into the Wild'. It explores the deep connections between nature, civilization, and the themes presented through the character contrasts in the narrative. Engage with essential references that enrich understanding of the text.
