Into The Wild Chapter 17 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does Krakauer observe on the banks of the Teklanika River where Chris had been unable to cross?

The water looks low, too deep, too cold, and too fast; there is a gauging station.

What does Krakauer hear moving around on the bottom of the rushing river?

He can hear rocks, the size of bowling balls, grinding along the bottom.

How is Krakauer different than McCandless?

In his backpack, he has a map and came with three companions.

What sad discovery does Krakauer make just a quarter mile downstream on the river?

The basket wasn't there to measure how deep the water was. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the hunters and the basket.

The hunters cut the chain of the basket to get across. Signup and view all the answers

What questions did Krakauer have about the motives of Alex?

Why didn't Alex try and cross the river once more in August when the water lowered? Signup and view all the answers

Discuss how Krakauer crosses the river.

He strapped himself to a cable and went across-Tyrolean traverse. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss how beavers have changed the trail.

They built dams across the creek and the water was never more than chest deep. Signup and view all the answers

What did Krakauer not bring with him?

A gun. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Krakauer happy to not be alone?

The landscape is gothic. Signup and view all the answers

What happens at 9:00 pm?

They find the bus. Signup and view all the answers

What did the bones outside the bus reveal?

What Chris thought was a moose was actually a moose. Signup and view all the answers

How do Krakauer and others see McCandless' death?

He wasn't prepared. Signup and view all the answers

What mistake did McCandless not make?

Confusing a caribou with a moose. Signup and view all the answers

What caused the foul odor in the bus?

A garbage bag filled with feathers and wings of several birds. Signup and view all the answers

What comment does Chris make about the bear skull?

It was the size of a watermelon. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about the cloth belt Krakauer finds in the bus?

Chris probably made it because of all the weight he lost. Signup and view all the answers

What happens an hour later?

They build a fire outside. Signup and view all the answers

How do critics see the sin of Chris?

Sin of arrogance. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the demise of Sir John Franklin.

19th century naval officer who contributed to 140 deaths. Signup and view all the answers

How was McCandless likened to Franklin?

Both starred and lacked a requisite for humility, insufficient respect for land. Signup and view all the answers

How does the arrogance differ between McCandless and Franklin?

Franklin regarded nature as an antagonist; Chris went in the opposite direction. Signup and view all the answers

What is hardly unusual for young men?

To be drawn to a pursuit that's considered reckless. Signup and view all the answers

What does John Muir do during a rain storm?

Nearly fell to his death. Signup and view all the answers

How did McCandless differ from Muir and Thoreau?

Chris went to the wilderness to explore the inner country of his soul. Signup and view all the answers

What subject is mostly written about in Chris' journal?

Food. Signup and view all the answers

If McCandless was not a feckless slacker, what was he?

A loopy young man who read too much and lacked common sense. Signup and view all the answers

How does Roman see similarity between him and Chris?

In his own respected deeds and adventure. Signup and view all the answers

What does Roman hate to admit?

It could have been him in the same predicament. Signup and view all the answers

What do the late night conversations conclude about Chris?

Trying to make sense of McCandless' life and death. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 17 Overview

A year after Chris McCandless' death, Krakauer observes the conditions of the Teklanika River, noting the dangers of its swift, low water.
Krakauer hears bowling ball-sized rocks grinding beneath the river's surface, illustrating the river's turbulent nature.

Krakauer vs. McCandless

Unlike McCandless, Krakauer carries a map and is accompanied by three companions on his journey.
A crucial discovery is made downstream where Krakauer finds that a gauging basket, vital for depth measurement, is missing due to hunters cutting its chain to cross.

Questions on McCandless' Motives

Krakauer ponders why McCandless did not attempt to cross the river again in August when conditions were more favorable.

Crossing the River

Krakauer utilizes a Tyrolean traverse technique, securing himself to a cable to safely navigate the river.

Environmental Changes

Beavers have altered the landscape by constructing dams, resulting in shallower water, which contrasts with McCandless' experience.

Lack of Preparedness

Krakauer reflects on McCandless' demise, concluding he was unprepared for the wilderness challenges.
Unlike McCandless, who confused wildlife, Krakauer notices that McCandless did not mistake a caribou for a moose, showing a degree of awareness.

The Bus Discovery

At 9:00 pm, Krakauer and his group locate the infamous bus where McCandless lived.
They discover bones outside the bus that reveal what McCandless thought was a moose was indeed moose remains.

Arrogance and Humility

Critics label McCandless' actions a sin of arrogance, similar to 19th-century naval officer Sir John Franklin, who led to many deaths due to a lack of humility and respect for nature.
While Franklin viewed nature as an enemy, McCandless approached his journey with a different mindset.

Youth and Recklessness

A natural inclination among young men is to engage in reckless pursuits, exemplified by figures like John Muir, who risked his life during storms.

McCandless' Unique Motivation

McCandless distinguished himself from other adventurers like Muir and Thoreau by aiming to explore the deeper aspects of his psyche in the wilderness.
His journal primarily documents his struggles with food, indicating a survival focus.

Reflection on McCandless

McCandless is described as a young man with unorthodox ideas who perhaps lacked practical wisdom.
Roman identifies with McCandless through shared adventurous spirits and admits to a fear of finding himself in a similar situation.

Closing Thoughts

Late-night discussions among Krakauer and his companions lead to reflections on McCandless' life and the complexities surrounding his decisions and ultimate fate.

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Description

Explore key concepts from Chapter 17 of 'Into The Wild' through engaging flashcards. This quiz focuses on Krakauer's observations and reflections related to Chris McCandless's journey. Test your understanding of the chapter's themes and imagery.