What Really Matters

"He chose instead to make a secret of his dark knowledge and express his rage obliquely, in silence and sullen withdrawal" (Krakauer 123).

Topic: The Dynamics of Family

          Chris McCandless really revolts against any morally correct ways that a son should treat his family. Not only does he leave his family, never to return before his death, but he eventually cuts off all communications with his family as well. He does not believe in having strong emotional relationships in life, therefore he tries to avoid them. In a true family environment, I believe that given the parents put effort towards their children, the children have a moral responsibility to treat their parents with love, but most importantly, respect. McCandless really does not display either of these traits at all throughout the book. I understand completely how he wanted to get away from the social world and find his own happiness, it just does not seem right to me that he cut all ties with his family, I believe he had the responsibility, maybe not to show his family love, but to at least respect them enough to keep them updated on where he was and how his health was, so they would not have to worry each day about whether or not he was alive. Love and respect are what keep families bonded for life.

Simple Advice Could Save One's Life

"Alex admitted that the only food in his pack was a ten-pound bag of rice. His gear seemed exceedingly minimal for the harsh conditions of the interior, which in April still lay buried under the winter snowpack" (Krakauer 5).

Topic: Travel Advice

        I do consider Chris McCandless an inspiration, but that does not mean that I necessarily agree with all of his tactics he used while releasing himself into the Alaskan wild. I believe that it is quite inspirational for one to go out and live life to the fullest of their capabilities, while bringing happiness to themselves and those they encounter, but I do not necessarily believe that the best way to do it should involve starving themselves and cutting the ties in all of their close relationships with loved ones. I believe McCandless should have taken a larger amount of food to ration out over time and I believe he should have had multiple sets of clothing to change into. Lastly, even though he wanted to distance himself from his family, I think he should have at least maintained a distant relationship with them so in times of need, he would always have them to fall back on. I applaud McCandless for what he did, taking on the world, but I think he may still be around to share his stories with the world if he would have had my simple advice to follow prior to his long journey.

A Fool to Many. An Inspiration Me.

"It should not be denied... that being footloose has always exhilarated us. It is associated in our minds with escape from history and law and irksome obligations, with absolute freedom" (Krakauer 15).

Topic: Inspiration or Fool?

         Many may argue that Christopher McCandless is a fool, no different than many others of his kind that have attempted to venture into the wild to achieve a particular meaning in life. Instead, I would argue, that is exactly the reason for McCandless to be treated as an inspiration. McCandless does not accept the simplicity that life has to offer, he challenges the social formalities society has created in order to get what he wants in life. Given he does not necessarily go into the wild well prepared, McCandless never strays from his original plan to use as little money as possible, keep away from emotional relationships, and to live off of the land. It is inspiring to many to see someone find true happiness while living such harsh lifestyle. McCandless proves to all that no matter what life happens to throw at you, you can sit back and find some sort of silver lining. His story may have ended in an early loss of life, but he died doing what he wanted to do and I think there is inspiration to be found in that alone.