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Into the Wild Chapters 6-9

Christopher Lehmann-Haupt's New York Times review of discusses the fine line that Krakauer attempts to walk as he offers the complex reactions to McCandless and his journey. "If Mr. Krakauer too readily exposes his subject's shortcomings," Lehmann-Haupt writes, "he also does a masterly job of keeping the reader's condemnation at bay."
Krakauer tells us in the Author's note that he doesn't "claim to be an impartial biographer". Let's explore that.

1st--Describe if you think Krakauer is being too hard on or forgiving of McCandless.
2nd--Compare Krakauer's point of view concerning McCandless and his journey to your own reaction. Do you view him as an idealist with the courage to pursue his dream or as someone who is "'underprepared, overconfident . . . bumbling around out there and screwing up because [he] lacked the requisite humility'" as Nick Jans describes? (72).

Make sure to support your assertions with quotes and / or details that demonstrate close reading.

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Into the Wild 6-9

First post and replies | Last post by cgoulet26, 8 months ago

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I have a conflicted perspective of how I think Krakauer feels about McCandless. While on one hand, it feels like Krakauer really hones in on how unprepared and and reckless this was for McCandless to do, it does seem like he really idolizes McCandles and thinks it was a very bold move and admirable of someone to do to put so much effort and dedication into his cause. Although in the end he ended up being unsuccessful he did make a good attempt. I do agree with how Krakauer views McCandless. I also feel like randomly deciding this is what he wants to do and just heading off without telling anyone, doing any research, or preparing himself with any useful supplies was a very dumb move. I do also admire his dedication and I find it inspiring that he put his mind to what he wanted to do and did so without accepting much help from anyone at all. He was very headstrong and determined to achieve what he had set out to do and I feel that is a very interesting characteristic about him. I do definitely feel like he was an idealist with a dream. Although he definitely could have been successful if he put more thought into preparation, I do still find it admirable that he had the courage to set out and embark upon such a journey completely on his own.

By cgoulet26 8 months ago

Into the Wild 6-9

First post and replies | Last post by ofrench27, 8 months ago

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Into The Wild 6-9

First post and replies | Last post by ofrench27, 8 months ago

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First post and replies | Last post by ofrench27, 8 months ago

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I think that in Into the Wild, Krakauer is pretty forgiving of McCandless. It seems like he admires McCandless having the courage and ambition to go on his journey. Krakauer often defends McCandless against critics. Krakauer doesn’t ignore the fact that McCandless may have made mistakes along the way, but he is very clear that he respects Krakauers pursuit for freedom was worth minor mess ups. I view McCandless as an idealist with the courage to persue his dreams and as someone who was underperpared and overconfidant. I think Krakauer feels the same. He admires Chris for his passion for exploring and is empathetic instead of critical. I respect his determination and ambition but I think his death does show the dangers of being underprepared and overconfidant.

By ofrench27 8 months ago

Into the Wild (1 viewing)

First post and replies | Last post by areardon26, 8 months ago

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Into The Wild Chapters 1-9

First post and replies | Last post by areardon26, 8 months ago

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In the book, Krakauer has many different ways of portraying his opinions and views of McCandless the whole time. He struggles to find a good balance between seeing McCandless’s actions as meaningful or needing criticism. Oftentimes, opting into both. I think the question of whether Krakauer is being too hard or forgiving of McCandless is entirely dependent on the reader's opinion and point of view. Ultimately, I see Krakauer leaning more towards forgiving McCandless and being understanding of his decisions based on his circumstances and his overall courage and willingness to learn and survive throughout it all. “He was unheeded, happy, and near to the wild heart of life. He was alone and young and wilful and wildhearted, alone amid a waste of wild air and brackish waters and the seaharvest of shells and tangle and veiled grey sunlight.” (Krakauer 25) A quote showing Krakauer describing McCandless wandering on the coast and using words that make him sound at peace, but, at the same time, wild and willing to learn and do what needs to be done. Krakauer finds intrigue, worry, and some criticism about McCandless and his whole journey. Questioning his level of preparedness and grit. He had a purpose when writing the book Into The Wild, and that purpose was to investigate the life and death of Christopher McCandless; because of this purpose, he sees and perceives things a certain way that most might not. Additionally, because the story is written from Krakauer’s knowledge and views, we mostly only know what is written or what we can infer. I see his views as almost journalistic, but at the same time, he is a concerned and well-thought-out researcher who cares to an extent. I personally see McCandless’s situation as super concerning and terrifying. He is surviving off of pure grit and motivation, which can only get you so far. While I sympathize with Krakauer’s concern and way of thinking, I also see McCandless’s situation in a broader, more dangerous sense. McCandless is bold and took a huge leap of faith but did it in a way that makes him seem unintelligent and unprepared.

By areardon2... 8 months ago

Into The Wild 6-9

First post and replies | Last post by edubois26, 8 months ago

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