Into the Wild Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Who are Jan and Bob Burres?

Jan Burres and her boyfriend, Bob, are first mentioned in Chapter 4. They met McCandless on a roadside as they stopped to consult a map and saw him gathering berries.

What was Jan and Bob's role in Chris' journey?

They provided shelter and aid for him, as he camped with them for a week, and Jan attempted to warn him of the dangers of his behaviors.

Who is Ron Franz?

A Vietnam veteran and leatherworker who befriends McCandless in Salton City, California.

What is Ron Franz's role in Chris' journey?

Franz drives McCandless to San Diego, offers him support, and expresses a desire to adopt him. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Wayne Westerberg?

Wayne Westerberg is the owner of a grain elevator in Carthage, South Dakota, who meets McCandless hitchhiking. Signup and view all the answers

What was Wayne's role in Chris' journey?

Wayne offered Chris a ride, lodging, and employment while providing a temporary family. Signup and view all the answers

How was Chris' body found and identified?

His decomposed body was discovered by moose hunters inside a rusting bus 19 days after he wrote his final note. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of epigraphs in the text?

They set the tone for each chapter and prepare the reader for the content to come. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Krakauer include stories from his own past and from that of other outdoorsmen?

To establish his authority and show similarities between McCandless and other adventurers. Signup and view all the answers

What events or circumstances led to Chris' death?

He lacked knowledge of preserving meat and navigated dangerous areas, leading to several survival challenges. Signup and view all the answers

How did McCandless feel about romantic relationships?

He was drawn to women but remained celibate, dedicating his life to simplicity. Signup and view all the answers

To what extent is Krakauer an unbiased author?

Krakauer's writing is influenced by his background as an adventurer, affecting his perspective on McCandless. Signup and view all the answers

What does Chris do to earn money throughout his journey?

He worked for Wayne Westerberg and got employed at a McDonald's. Signup and view all the answers

Who are some of the authors that Chris seemed to read much of?

Thoreau, Tolstoy, Gogol, Michael Crichton, Robert Pirsig, and Louis L'amour. Signup and view all the answers

What was Chris' goal? Why did he set out on this journey?

His ultimate goal was to reach the Alaskan wilderness to live a life free from responsibility and possessions. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Krakauer inject himself into the narrative so frequently?

To highlight parallels between himself and McCandless, providing insights into their motivations. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the text structured in the manner it is?

Into the Wild presents parallels between physical and spiritual journeys, reflecting the author's understanding of McCandless. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways are Krakauer and McCandless similar?

Both ventured out alone into the Alaskan wilderness at young ages and had complex relationships with their fathers. Signup and view all the answers

To what extent does McCandless embody Thoreau's ideals of self-reliance?

McCandless embodies Thoreau's ideals by venturing into the wilderness alone to prove his self-sufficiency. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Jan and Bob Burres

Jan and Bob Burres meet McCandless while stopping to consult a map; they help him identify edible berries.
They provide McCandless shelter and support for a week; Jan attempts to warn him about the dangers of his lifestyle.
Jan feels a strong emotional connection and tries to convince McCandless to return to his mother, reflecting her own experience with estrangement.

Ron Franz

A Vietnam veteran and leatherworker who befriends McCandless in Salton City, California; he had lost his son in a drunk driving accident.
Franz drives McCandless around California, providing him meals and temporary shelter; he expresses a desire to adopt McCandless.
Following McCandless's death, Franz expresses deep sorrow, blaming God for the loss.

Wayne Westerberg

Owner of a grain elevator in Carthage, South Dakota; he gives McCandless a ride while he is hitchhiking.
Offers McCandless employment, shelter, and friendship, functioning as a surrogate family during McCandless's journey.

Discovery of McCandless's Body

McCandless's decomposed body was found by moose hunters outside Denali National Park, 19 days after he wrote his final note.
He died in a rusting bus used as a shelter; found weight was 67 pounds compared to 140 pounds at the time of his driver's license issue.

Role of Epigraphs

Epigraphs set the tone for each chapter, preparing readers for the themes and events to follow.

Krakauer's Perspective

Incorporates personal experiences and stories of other outdoorsmen to establish authority and connection to McCandless's motivations.
Highlights shared traits among adventurers, emphasizing their drive and intelligence.

Events Leading to Death

Lack of knowledge about preserving meat and improper river crossing techniques contributed to McCandless's demise.
Absence of a map and possible poisoning from mold on roots/seeds are noted potential factors.

McCandless's Views on Relationships

Though attracted to women, McCandless remains celibate, seeking a life of purity and simplicity without attachments.

Krakauer’s Authorial Bias

His background as an adventurer influences his portrayal of McCandless, reflecting both admiration and critique.
Extensive research is utilized to enhance the accuracy and authenticity of the narrative.

Earning Money

McCandless works for Wayne Westerberg and at a McDonald's to support himself during his journey.

Influences on McCandless

Reads works by authors like Thoreau, Tolstoy, Gogol, Robert Pirsig, and Louis L'amour.

Chris's Goals

McCandless aims to explore the Alaskan wilderness to find freedom from societal constraints, possessions, and relationships.
His pursuit of a simple life in nature ultimately leads to his tragic death.

Krakauer's Personal Narrative

Including his own story of climbing the Devil's Thumb draws parallels to McCandless's experiences and motivations.
Uses personal anecdotes to argue for McCandless's decisions and to connect with his journey.

Structure of the Text

The narrative juxtaposes the physical and spiritual journeys of Krakauer and McCandless.
Rather than solving the mystery of McCandless's disappearance, Krakauer seeks to understand his motivations and the essence of his search for happiness.

Similarities Between Krakauer and McCandless

Both ventured alone into the Alaskan wilderness at a young age and shared troubled relationships with their fathers.
Similar traits as other adventurers, all of whom pursued extreme experiences in search of deeper truths.

McCandless and Thoreau's Ideals

Embodies Thoreau's self-reliance, demonstrating a desire for independence from societal norms.
Finds joy in nature and sustains himself in the wilderness, although he struggles with the morality of killing animals for food.

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Description

This quiz covers key terms and definitions related to the characters Jan and Bob Burres from 'Into the Wild.' Dive into their significance in Chris McCandless's journey and understand their impact on his adventures.