Into the Wild: Krakauer's Reflection Chapter 14

Questions and Answers

Why does Jon Krakauer relate his own experiences in Chapter 14?

To show that he understands Chris because he had a similar attitude and outlook on life as a young man.

What challenge did Krakauer set for himself?

To climb a mountain called Devil's Thumb, alone.

What happened when Krakauer almost reached the top of Devil's Thumb?

He ran out of supplies and had to abandon his effort.

What accident happens to Krakauer while he is in his tent contemplating another attempt at climbing the Thumb?

He smokes a cigar and almost burns down his tent. Signup and view all the answers

Who taught Jon Krakauer to climb?

His father. Signup and view all the answers

How is Krakauer parallel to McCandless?

Both men decided to venture out, alone, into the wilds of Alaska at relatively young ages and share similar issues with their fathers. Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'barren' mean?

Being empty Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'loitering' mean?

To linger aimlessly or as if aimless in or about a place Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'abate' mean?

To reduce in amount, degree, intensity; to lessen Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'recumbent' mean?

Lying down Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'abyss' mean?

A deep immeasurable space Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'insurrection' mean?

An act of rebellion Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'malevolent' mean?

Wishing to do evil Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'calamitous' mean?

Disastrous Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Krakauer's Personal Reflection

Jon Krakauer shares personal experiences in Chapter 14 to connect with Chris McCandless' mindset and youthful ideals.
He undertook a personal challenge to climb Devil's Thumb, reflecting his adventurous spirit similar to McCandless.

Climbing Devil's Thumb

While nearing the summit of Devil's Thumb, Krakauer ran out of supplies, forcing him to abandon his ascent.
During a moment of contemplation in his tent, he accidentally nearly set it ablaze while smoking a cigar, highlighting the risks involved in his adventure.

Relationship with Climbing

Krakauer's father taught him how to climb, establishing a familial bond linked to his passion for the outdoors.

Parallels Between Krakauer and McCandless

Both Krakauer and McCandless ventured alone into the Alaskan wilderness at young ages, expressing a shared desire for exploration.
Their strained relationships with their fathers created a sense of kinship; McCandless distanced himself from his father, rejecting financial support, while Krakauer acknowledges a similar emotional disconnect with his own father.

Vocabulary Terms

Barren: Describes a state of emptiness or lack.
Loitering: The act of lingering aimlessly in a place without purpose.
Abate: Refers to a reduction in amount, degree, or intensity.
Recumbent: Indicates a position of lying down.
Abyss: A term for a deep, immeasurable space, often connoting vast emptiness.
Insurrection: Describes a rebellion or uprising against authority.
Malevolent: Expresses a wish to cause harm or evil.
Calamitous: Pertains to something disastrous or causing great harm.

Description

Explore Jon Krakauer's personal reflections in Chapter 14 of 'Into the Wild' as he shares his experiences climbing Devil's Thumb. Discover the parallels he draws between himself and Chris McCandless, highlighting themes of adventure, familial bonds, and youthful ideals in the Alaskan wilderness.