Mccandless Life In The Wild Analysis
romanticized idea of the wild and that fully immersing yourself in it will lead to great adventures, freedom, and ultimately living a happy and meaningful life. In comparison to a life full of rules and obligations, in a capitalism society focused on production and money, the reader can see why McCandless felt a need to escape a seemingly unfulfilling and meaningless life.
McCandless’s disapproval of a capitalism originated with his interest in the works of Jack London. According to Jane Burres, a woman McCandless had lived with during part of his two year journey, “McCandless had been infatuated with London since childhood. London’s fervent condemnation of capitalist society… all of it mirrored McCandless’s passions” (Wild 44). However, she …show more content…
Over 25 pounds lost. But his spirit is soaring” (37). The fact that he has chosen to address his circumstances in third-person and adopts a new name, Alex Supertramp, is clearly indicative of his inability to completely separate fact from fiction – reality of the raw wilderness from a romanticized idea of life in the wild as depicted in fictional stories. It is noteworthy to mention McCandless change and choice of name, as it proves to be relevant to this theme. In the retelling of McCandless’s story, Krakauer states that “McCandless tramped around the West for the next two to three months, spellbound by the scale and power of the landscape” (29). Thereafter, the reader learns that McCandless introduced himself to Jan Burris as Alex, and “said that he was tramping around the country, having a big old adventure” (30). Not only does the skewed manner in which he explains his predicament to Jane Burres confirm that he sees himself as no more than a character in a fictional adventure, but the choice of his name – Supertramp, as if he were the greatest free spirited vagabond that ever lived – is perfectly suited with his romanticized notion of freedom in the wilderness. …show more content…
Krakauer’s chosen titles are relevant to the themes and subject matter of each book. The words “into the wild,” ring with excitement and adventure, like the tale of Huckle Berry Fin, whereas, the phrase “into thin air,” connotes an incomprehensible occurrence –the disappearing of something or someone in front of another’s very own eyes. Unfortunately, the latter captures the gruesome risks involved in pursuing a dangerous undertaking and the irreversible consequences that
McCandless’s disapproval of a capitalism originated with his interest in the works of Jack London. According to Jane Burres, a woman McCandless had lived with during part of his two year journey, “McCandless had been infatuated with London since childhood. London’s fervent condemnation of capitalist society… all of it mirrored McCandless’s passions” (Wild 44). However, she …show more content…
Over 25 pounds lost. But his spirit is soaring” (37). The fact that he has chosen to address his circumstances in third-person and adopts a new name, Alex Supertramp, is clearly indicative of his inability to completely separate fact from fiction – reality of the raw wilderness from a romanticized idea of life in the wild as depicted in fictional stories. It is noteworthy to mention McCandless change and choice of name, as it proves to be relevant to this theme. In the retelling of McCandless’s story, Krakauer states that “McCandless tramped around the West for the next two to three months, spellbound by the scale and power of the landscape” (29). Thereafter, the reader learns that McCandless introduced himself to Jan Burris as Alex, and “said that he was tramping around the country, having a big old adventure” (30). Not only does the skewed manner in which he explains his predicament to Jane Burres confirm that he sees himself as no more than a character in a fictional adventure, but the choice of his name – Supertramp, as if he were the greatest free spirited vagabond that ever lived – is perfectly suited with his romanticized notion of freedom in the wilderness. …show more content…
Krakauer’s chosen titles are relevant to the themes and subject matter of each book. The words “into the wild,” ring with excitement and adventure, like the tale of Huckle Berry Fin, whereas, the phrase “into thin air,” connotes an incomprehensible occurrence –the disappearing of something or someone in front of another’s very own eyes. Unfortunately, the latter captures the gruesome risks involved in pursuing a dangerous undertaking and the irreversible consequences that