Into the Wild Family Insights

Questions and Answers

When did Jon Krakauer interview Walt McCandless?

7 weeks

What was in the McCandless house that speaks to the feelings of Walt and Billie McCandless toward Chris?

A photo

What important work does Walt McCandless do?

Advanced Radar Technology

What gift did Walt give Billie after the birth of Chris?

The guitar from the back seat of the Datson Signup and view all the answers

What family outings did the McCandless family mention to Krakauer?

Always going camping Signup and view all the answers

What trait did sports reveal in Chris?

Very competitive. Did not want to lose. Signup and view all the answers

What was the tender moment between Chris and his father right after Chris graduated from high school?

He gave him a telescope Signup and view all the answers

What did Chris do the summer after his sophomore year in college?

Stayed home to develop the software for his dad Signup and view all the answers

What was the skeleton in Walt's closet that stressed the whole family, Chris in particular?

He had led a double life and had another family Signup and view all the answers

What shows Chris's attitude toward injustices that began when he was in college?

Humanity classes Signup and view all the answers

After Chris left home, why didn't Carine get upset when he won't tell her where he was?

She knew he was happy Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Billie in July of 1992?

She had a vivid dream that he was calling for help Signup and view all the answers

What is prominently displayed in Carine McCandless's home?

Two pictures of her brother Signup and view all the answers

What does Carine recall that Chris loved so much?

Her dog Buckley Signup and view all the answers

How is Carine different from Chris?

Doesn't have a problem with money and made peace with their parents Signup and view all the answers

What kind of business do Carine and her husband operate?

Auto repair Signup and view all the answers

What affected the eating habits of Chris's family?

Chris starving to death Signup and view all the answers

In light of his own experiences, what does Krakauer think of Chris's tactics?

He understands Chris Signup and view all the answers

Where did Chris leave from on April 15, 1992 on his journey to Alaska?

Carthage, South Dakota Signup and view all the answers

How did Chris travel the 1,000 miles from Liard, Alaska to Fairbanks?

Stuckey gave him a ride Signup and view all the answers

What two requests did Stuckey make of Alex as they parted company?

Write him a letter and call his parents Signup and view all the answers

How far did Chris travel on the Stampede Trail before he located the abandoned bus?

20 miles Signup and view all the answers

Why did Chris write in his journal that he had found the Magic Bus?

The bus had hunting materials (food) Signup and view all the answers

What emotional experience disturbed Chris while he was staying in the bus?

He killed a moose and then wasted it all Signup and view all the answers

A year after Chris's death, what did Krakauer observe on the banks of the Teklanika River where Chris had been unable to cross?

The river was wide and churning. It was hard to cross Signup and view all the answers

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

The basket on the other side Signup and view all the answers

What did the bones outside the bus reveal?

Caribou, porcupines. All the food Chris hunted Signup and view all the answers

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

He made it himself Signup and view all the answers

How does Krakauer interpret the evidence he gathered about Chris?

Immerse himself in nature Signup and view all the answers

How does Roman Dial, who teaches at the University of Alaska, interpret Chris's actions?

He admired him but said he wasn't confident. Not prepared Signup and view all the answers

What evidence does Krakauer find that suggests Chris was ready to re-enter society?

Included a passage from Dr. Zhivago and left a note Signup and view all the answers

What does Krakauer think actually killed Chris?

The wild potato seeds Signup and view all the answers

Why does Krakauer think Chris could not excrete poison from his body?

He didn't have enough food in his body Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about August 5?

100 days in the wilderness Signup and view all the answers

On August 12, Chris left the bus to forage for berries. What did the note he left on the door say?

A desperate plea, signed with his real name Signup and view all the answers

What is so poignant about the final photograph Chris took of himself holding his goodbye notes?

He was so thin yet had a smile on his face Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Interview with Walt McCandless

Jon Krakauer interviewed Walt McCandless seven weeks after Chris's death.

Family Sentiments

A photo in the McCandless house captures Walt and Billie McCandless's feelings toward Chris.

Walt McCandless's Career

Walt works in Advanced Radar Technology, showcasing his technical expertise.

Meaningful Gifts

Walt gifted Billie a guitar from their car as a sentimental gesture after Chris was born.

Family Activities

The McCandless family frequently engaged in camping outings, emphasizing their connection to nature.

Chris's Competitive Nature

Sports revealed Chris's highly competitive trait; he despised losing.

High School Graduation Moment

After graduation, Chris shared a tender moment with his father, receiving a telescope as a gift.

College Summer Activity

During the summer after his sophomore year, Chris stayed home to develop software for his father's work.

Family Secrets

Walt McCandless led a double life, having another family, which caused stress for Chris.

Injustices Awareness

Chris’s attitude toward injustices was shaped by his humanity classes in college.

Carine's Acceptance

Carine McCandless remained calm about Chris's decision to stay away, knowing he was happy.

Billie McCandless's Dream

In July 1992, Billie had a vivid dream where Chris called for help, highlighting her concern.

Family Remembrance

Carine prominently displays two pictures of Chris in her home, reflecting their bond.

Chris's Love for Pets

Chris had a special affection for Carine's dog, Buckley.

Carine's Distinct Characteristics

Carine differed from Chris by having a secure relationship with money and resolving issues with their parents.

Carine's Business

Carine and her husband operate an auto repair business.

Impact of Chris's Fate

Chris’s death affected his family's eating habits, with the trauma of his starvation lingering.

Krakauer's Perspective

Krakauer empathizes with Chris's tactics, shaped by his own experiences.

Journey to Alaska

Chris departed from Carthage, South Dakota, on April 15, 1992, on his journey to Alaska.

Traveling to Fairbanks

Chris traveled about 1,000 miles to Fairbanks, receiving a ride from Stuckey.

Stuckey's Farewell Requests

Stuckey asked Chris to write him a letter and to call his parents before they parted.

Discovering the Abandoned Bus

Chris traveled 20 miles down the Stampede Trail before finding an abandoned bus.

Finding the Magic Bus

Chris wrote in his journal about the “Magic Bus” due to the hunting supplies found inside.

Emotional Distress

An emotional episode disturbed Chris when he killed a moose but wasted its meat.

Observations by Krakauer

A year after Chris's death, Krakauer observed the Teklanika River's challenging crossing conditions.

Basket Discovery

Krakauer discovered a basket a quarter mile downstream from the bus, adding to the narrative of Chris's journey.

Evidence of Chris's Survival Efforts

Animal bones outside the bus indicated Chris hunted caribou and porcupines for food.

Significance of the Cloth Belt

Krakauer found a cloth belt made by Chris himself, symbolizing his self-sufficiency.

Krakauer's Interpretation

The evidence gathered indicated Chris sought to immerse himself in nature.

Roman Dial's Perspective

Roman Dial, a professor, admired Chris but believed he lacked preparation for his wilderness challenge.

Signs of Re-entry into Society

Krakauer found evidence suggesting Chris wished to rejoin society, including notes and a book passage.

Cause of Chris's Death

Krakauer attributed Chris's death to wild potato seeds he consumed.

Body's Reaction to Poison

Chris's inability to excrete poison was likely due to insufficient food intake prior to his consumption of the seeds.

Significance of August 5

August 5 marked 100 days of Chris's survival in the wilderness.

Final Note on Departure

On August 12, Chris left a desperate note on the bus door when he went to forage, signed with his real name.

Poignant Final Photograph

Chris's last photograph, displaying him smiling while holding his notes, emphasizes the juxtaposition of his frailty and positivity.

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Description

Explore the complex family dynamics revealed in Jon Krakauer's 'Into the Wild'. This quiz covers key moments and sentiments expressed by Walt McCandless about his son Chris, showcasing their relationship through various events and memories. Delve into the family activities, gifts, and secrets that shaped their lives.