Into the Wild: McCandless' Character and Relations

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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?

He was crying when he hugged her goodbye. Signup and view all the answers

What were the major criticisms made of McCandless by readers of Outside magazine?

Many believed he was mentally disturbed for throwing away his fortune and family to live in the wilderness. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Gene Rosellini?

A wealthy college graduate who lived off the grid, wanted to research nature, and killed himself with a knife. Signup and view all the answers

Who is John Waterman?

A person who wanted to help society, liked to travel, and had a bad relationship with family. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Carl McCunn?

A man who killed himself with a gun before dying of hunger in Alaska, believing people would save him. Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's point in comparing those men in Chapter 8 to McCandless?

To illustrate the difficulties of survival in the wild and the shared characteristics between McCandless and these men. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Everett Ruess?

A wanderer who believed nobody understood him and often changed his name. Signup and view all the answers

What is the point of Krakauer's description of the Irish monks in chapter 9?

They were also seeking solitude like McCandless and others. Signup and view all the answers

What clues did the Alaskan state troopers use in their search for McCandless' identity?

A blue sweatshirt logo, his journal, and information from Jim Gallien and Wayne. Signup and view all the answers

How did Wayne Westerberg hear of McCandless' death?

Another trucker named Bob told him to turn on the radio, which was reporting on Alex. Signup and view all the answers

How did the state troopers receive Westerberg's attempt to volunteer information about McCandless?

They treated him like any other caller until he provided McCandless' social security number. Signup and view all the answers

Which family member received the news of Chris' death first?

The eldest child, Sam McCandless. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways was Chris similar to his grandfather?

They both didn't fit into society and shared traits such as stubbornness and artistic inclinations. Signup and view all the answers

What early signs indicated Chris felt distaste for rules and conformity?

Sneaked into a neighbor's house at 3 years old and got an F in physics class due to dislike for the teacher's approach. Signup and view all the answers

As a teenager, how did Chris spend his weekends?

He sneaked into seedy parts of Washington to help prostitutes and homeless people. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the tension between Chris and his parents regarding his refusal to go to college.

Chris viewed careers as demeaning 'twentieth-century inventions,' while his parents valued a college degree. Signup and view all the answers

What did Chris plan to do after high school?

He planned to take his car and drive across the country. Signup and view all the answers

What did Chris do for his father before leaving for his trip?

He gave his father an expensive Questar telescope. Signup and view all the answers

What was Chris' condition upon returning from his trip?

He had a beard, long tangled hair, and lost 30 pounds. Signup and view all the answers

What did Chris discover about his parents that affected their relationship?

He found out facts about his father's previous marriage and divorce. Signup and view all the answers

What were McCandless' somewhat contradictory political beliefs?

He ridiculed the Democratic party while admiring Ronald Reagan, supporting minimal government. Signup and view all the answers

What does Krakauer mean by stating McCandless measured himself and others by an impossibly rigorous moral code?

McCandless had no forgiveness for his father's mistakes and viewed all actions as requiring 100% honesty. Signup and view all the answers

What did his mother imply about Chris in her letter that angered him?

She implied he was gay because he never had a girlfriend. Signup and view all the answers

What woke up Billie in the middle of the night in July 1992?

She thought she heard Chris calling her, begging for her. Signup and view all the answers

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.