Questions and Answers
What kind of jobs did McCandless do while working in Carthage?
Mucking out warehouses, exterminating vermin, painting, scything weeds, and operating a front-end loader.
What do we learn in this chapter about McCandless' relationship with his family?
He didn't get along with them except with his younger sister, Carine.
How and why did Westerberg's perspective change after McCandless died?
He initially thought McCandless was justified in his family conflict, but after McCandless died, he realized it was wrong to treat them poorly.
What concerned Gail Borah about McCandless' departure from Carthage?
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What were the major criticisms made of McCandless by readers of Outside magazine?
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Who is Gene Rosellini?
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Who is John Waterman?
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Who is Carl McCunn?
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What is the author's point in comparing those men in Chapter 8 to McCandless?
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Who is Everett Ruess?
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What is the point of Krakauer's description of the Irish monks in chapter 9?
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What clues did the Alaskan state troopers use in their search for McCandless' identity?
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How did Wayne Westerberg hear of McCandless' death?
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How did the state troopers receive Westerberg's attempt to volunteer information about McCandless?
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Which family member received the news of Chris' death first?
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In what ways was Chris similar to his grandfather?
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What early signs indicated Chris felt distaste for rules and conformity?
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As a teenager, how did Chris spend his weekends?
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Explain the tension between Chris and his parents regarding his refusal to go to college.
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What did Chris plan to do after high school?
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What did Chris do for his father before leaving for his trip?
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What was Chris' condition upon returning from his trip?
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What did Chris discover about his parents that affected their relationship?
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What were McCandless' somewhat contradictory political beliefs?
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What does Krakauer mean by stating McCandless measured himself and others by an impossibly rigorous moral code?
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What did his mother imply about Chris in her letter that angered him?
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What woke up Billie in the middle of the night in July 1992?
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Study Notes
McCandless' Work and Character
- Worked on various tasks in Carthage including mucking out warehouses, exterminating vermin, and operating heavy machinery.
- Demonstrates a strong work ethic and willingness to tackle undesirable jobs, contrasting with critics who view him as arrogant or incompetent.
Family Relations
- Strained relationship with most family members, except for a close bond with his younger sister, Carine.
Westerberg's Shift in Perspective
- Initially dismissive of McCandless' family issues, Westerberg reevaluates his views after McCandless' death, recognizing the severity of their estrangement and reflecting on his own relationships.
Gail Borah's Concern
- Noticed McCandless crying during their farewell, interpreting it as a sign he might face dangers in his journey.
- Received a final letter from McCandless after he reached Alaska, further affirming her worries.
Public Criticism
- Readers of Outside magazine labeled McCandless mentally disturbed for abandoning his wealth and family for wilderness life.
Gene Rosellini
- Came from a wealthy family, was a college graduate, lived off the grid and pursued research in nature before ultimately taking his own life.
John Waterman
- A traveler with aspirations to help society but struggled with familial relationships.
Carl McCunn
- Entered Alaska with a romantic notion of survival, ultimately committing suicide before succumbing to starvation, miscalculating rescue efforts.
Comparison of Seekers
- Chapter compares McCandless with others who struggled in the wild, emphasizing the shared fascination with nature and survival challenges.
Everett Ruess
- A nomadic figure who felt misunderstood, frequently changed his name, and deeply valued his relationships with others.
Irish Monks' Solitude
- Their quest for solitude mirrors McCandless' own journey and the broader theme of seeking peace away from societal norms.
Alaskan State Troopers' Investigation
- Used clues like McCandless' sweatshirt logo, journal contents, and information from acquaintances to establish his identity.
Westerberg's Notification of Death
- Learned about McCandless' death from another trucker who informed him through the radio.
Troopers' Reaction to Westerberg
- Initially dismissed Westerberg's call about McCandless as routine until he provided identifying details, gaining their attention.
Family Notification of Death
- Chris' brother, Sam, was the first to learn about his death and notified their parents, Walt and Billie.
Chris and His Grandfather
- Both figures had trouble fitting into society; Chris shared his grandfather's stubbornness and love for nature.
Early Rebellion Against Conformity
- Exhibited disregard for rules from a young age, signaling his disdain for authority and structured education.
Teenage Activities
- Engaged with underprivileged communities, helping the homeless and prostitutes, showcasing his empathy and compassion.
College Dilemma
- Chris rejected the idea of college, viewing it as a demeaning societal construct, while his parents valued education and career stability.
Post-Trip Condition
- Returned from travels with physical changes, indicating neglect of self-care and intense outdoor experiences.
Family Discoveries
- Uncovered uncomfortable truths about his father's past, which further strained his relationships with his parents.
Political Beliefs
- Had conflicting views, critiquing Democratic policies while admiring Ronald Reagan, embodying a philosophical stance favoring minimal government intervention.
Rigorous Moral Code
- Measured himself and others by unrealistic standards, displaying no tolerance for human flaws, which paradoxically contributed to his demise.
Mother's Implications
- His mother’s assumption regarding his sexuality angered him, hinting at misinterpretations of his personal choices.
Billie McCandless' Awakening
- Woken by an imagined cry from Chris, symbolizing her deep connection and the harsh reality of his situation, encapsulating her sense of loss.
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Description
This quiz explores the complexities of Christopher McCandless' character, his relationships with family and friends, and the public perception of his journey. Delve into the insights of those who closely observed him, including his work ethic and emotional struggles, as well as the impact of his choices on those left behind.