Into The Wild Chapters 1-9

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.