Unit on Perspectives:

Into the
Wild

By Jon Krakauer

Student Study Guide

Ortiz/12th Grade

Name: ___________________________________

Notes on Jack London and

Famous Literature

Notes on Henry
David Thoreau

Discussion Journal Assignment

In order to discuss elements of the novel, Into the Wild, you will have a journal discussion partner.
Complete 4 journal discussions to turn in for a grade. For each do the following:
1. Choose any 4 Journal Response Questions below. Answer the questions in complete,
well-written paragraphs (2-4 paragraphs for each). Your answer can be personal and
reflective. I encourage you to be creative (but appropriate) in response to the answer.
Be sure to include specific details from the text to demonstrate that you have read the
book.
2. Leave a page or two in between each entry for your partner.
3. For each Journal entry, you are to switch with your Journal Partner. As the responder to
the Journal, comment on the thoughts of the Journal owner in a paragraph. Understand
that you are analyzing the story, and commenting on thoughts; not analyzing how or why
your Journal Partner wrote what he/she wrote. Essentially, play nice.
4. Turn in the completed Journal for credit. Due Date: ____________________________
5. Please turn in Journal Entry #1, prepared and ready for your partner to respond in class:
________________________

Journal Response Questions

1. What do you think caused Chris to embark on his journey? (beginning of the novel)
2. What mistakes, if any, did Chris make before going to Alaska?

3. In a review of the book by Library Journal, one complaint about it was that Krakauer never
satisfactorily answers the question of whether McCandless was a noble, if misguided,
idealist or a reckless narcissist who brought pain to his family. Which, in your opinion, was
he? Was he both?
4. McCandless was also greatly influenced by Henry David Thoreau. What did he borrow from
Thoreaus interaction with nature? How did he differ from Thoreau?

5. The author claims that Into the Wild is very much a story about a sons relationship with his
father. What conclusions did you make regarding McCandlesss response to his family?
What did you learn about parental relationships from the narrative?

6. One Alaskan Park Ranger has made some comparisons between himself and Chris. He
wrote:
Essentially, Chris McCandless committed suicide while I apprenticed myself to a career and a life that I
wanted more badly than I can possibly describe in so short an essay. In the end I believe that the
difference between us was that I wanted to live and Chris McCandless wanted to die (whether he
realized it or not). The fact that he died in a compelling way doesnt change that outcome. He might
have made it work if he had respected the wilderness he was purported to have loved. But it is my belief
that surviving in the wilderness is not what he had in mind.
I did not start this essay to trash poor Chris McCandless. Not intentionally. It is sad that the boy had to
die. The tragedy is that McCandless more than likely was suffering from mental illness and didnt have
to end his life the way he did. The fact that he chose Alaskas wildlands to do it in speaks more to the
fact that it makes a good story than to the fact that McCandless was heroic or somehow extraordinary.
In the end, he was sadly ordinary in his disrespect for the land, the animals, the history, and the selfsufficiency ethos of Alaska, the Last Frontier.

Do you feel that McCandless was either mentally ill or suicidal? Use evidence from the text.

7. What is Truth? Where did you get your sense of Truth? What is McCandlesss sense of
Truth? How do you know?

8. What significance, if any, do you attach to the note Chris left in the margins of Dr. Zhivago:
Happiness only real when shared as he neared the end of his life? (end of book, pg. 189)
9. Interview your parents/ guardian about something they always wished they would have
done. Find out why they havent done it? What stopped them?

10. At the end of the reading, Krakauer asserts that one reason adults have so much difficulty
understanding McCandlesss actions is that they struggle to recall how forcefully [they]
were once buffeted by the passions and longings of youth. To understand this observation,
one must be able to define what the passions and longings of youth are. What do these
passions and longings have to do with escape? With the natural world? And if one can recall
such passions and longings, how might this change the way one looks at McCandlesss
death?

Sample Journal Entry

Jimmy Neutron; October 17th
As I begin to read the book, Into the Wild, I wonder exactly what caused Chris McCandless to embark on his
journey. Jon Krakauer challenges the reader in his Authors Note at the beginning of the book, to question Chriss
motives. As a result, his character must also be in question. Knowing what I know about young adults, as I am one, it
seems that he wasnt prepared to go home after he graduated from college. It could be possible that Chris was feeling
the strain to conform to the rituals of college graduates: leave school, find a job, settle down. In some cases, people
who are unsuccessful at finding a job and becoming independent fear that they will be forced to regress by moving
home. In either case, I dont think Chris was ready for life after college. He doesnt seem like he is one who wants to
conform to the American way of living, or even worse, return to his family home and wait out the job search.
Krakauer suggests on the second page of the Authors Note that he comes to wonder a different motive. He
questions if McCandless was in the grip of the wilderness. To further explain, maybe McCandless was drawn by his
adventurous side to go off into nature. Demonstrating a Thoreau-like character, McCandless may have wanted to get
personal with nature, maybe as a way to find out who he truly is. Erik Erikson, a psychologist of the 20 th century,
identifies the adolescent to young adult developmental stage as a time of finding ones true identity. Maybe
McCandless is still in that stage, and feels that the wilderness is a place where he can truly come to understand who
he is, and what he wants to live for.
Nevertheless, McCandless made the decision to go off on his own, leaving his family in the dark. Obviously, at
least from what I know at this point in the book, his choice was deadly. What I am most curious to find out is whether
McCandless sees his death as a disappointment, or whether he comes to accept his choices because that was what
he wanted all along. Of course, I may need to answer whether his choice was deliberate in order to fully comprehend
why he embarked on such a dangerous journey.

Response:
Dora D. Explora; October 20th
Jimmy makes several good points in his journal reflection. I also questioned if McCandlesss choice to give his
savings to OXFAM and leave his family behind was some sort of demonstration of his frustration with the world. He
couldnt have been prepared to leave the comfort of his college experience and enter a new phase in life. I know that I
am also scared about the process of leaving my friends here in Bath, and going to college. I completely agree with
Jimmy as McCandlesss behavior must be a result of his fear of becoming independent, as Jimmy stated in his entry.
While it is exciting to become my own person, and experience the world outside of this small town, there are some
concerns I have about what exactly it will be like.

Novel Notes
Pages 3-46
Plot
Jim Gallien GentlemanwhodroveChrisintoAlaskatoStampedeTrail.Hetriedtotalk
Chrisoutofodyssey,butChrisdidntlisten.Galliendescribedhimselfashaving
issueswithpeoplelikeChrisbecausetheythinkthattheycansurvivethedangersof
thewild.
Alexander/Alex
April 28, 1992
Fairbanks City Transit System: bus 142
Thompson, Samel, and Swanson
Wayne Westerberg
Annadale, Virgina
OXFAM
Old yellow Datsun
Connection made about Henry David Thoreau (Civil Disobedience)
McDonalds Jan and Bob Burres

Discussion Topics

Novel Notes continued

Pages 47-97
Plot
Ronald Franz
The leather belt
Relationship with his parents
Gene Rosellini
John Mallon Waterman
Carl McCunn
Davis Gulch
Everett Ruess
NEMO 1934

Discussion Topics

Novel Notes continued

Pages 98-144
Plot
Anchorage Daily News/Time/The Washington Post article on dead hiker
Jim Gallien
(reaction to
article) Wayne
Westerberg
(reaction to
article) Sam McCandless (reaction to article)
Walt McCandless (characterize him)
Marcia McCandless
Billie (Wilhelmina) McCandless
Chris marches to a different drummer (pg. 107)
Loren Johnson
Disappointment in sports (how does this connect?)
McCandless took lifes inequities to heart. (pg. 113)
Chriss trip southwest after high school graduation
Secret relationship with Marcia McCandless
Carine McCandless (characterization)
The Devils Thumb
Importance of this story on story of McCandless

Discussion Topics

Novel Notes continued

Pages 145-203
Plot
Lewis Krakauer
Importance of this story on story of McCandless
I knew that people sometimes died climbing mountains. But at the age of twenty-three, personal mortality the idea
of my own death was still largely outside my conceptual grasp. (pg. 151).
McCandlesss declaration of independence
Deliberate living
He was right in saying that the only certain happiness in life is to live for others (pg. 169)
The mistakes he made (Chapter 17 End)
Identification of moose
Pot. Seed (potato seed)

Discussion Topics

10

Characterization of Chris McCandless

Directions: Find evidence in the book for the following characterizations of Chris McCandless. Regardless
of your own personal feelings, keep track of what evidence is provided for each of the following.
Pages with
quotes that will
make for good
evidence

Arrogant/Stupid
(nuts)

Courageous/Wis
e
(wise beyond
his years)

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Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

Section 2 Reading Statement/Theme Support

Agree

Disagree
Statement:
There is an intrinsic need for companionship.

1.
Page:

Explanation/Proof:

Statement:
People are greatly affected by the relationships
they have with their parents.

2.

Page:
Explanation/Proof:

Statement:
Our negative judgments (calling him nuts) of Chris
McCandless are based on our stereotypes of what a sane
person really is. Our American culture has decided what
normal can be, and what normal cannot be.

3.
Page:

Explanation/Proof:

Statement:
Chris McCandless is a modern-day Messiah figure.

4.
Page:

Explanation/Proof:

12

An Effective Comparison
Describes the parts of the concept in detail before
comparing
Makes direct and clear comparisons with the concept,
possibly emphasizing some of the contrasts.
Draws conclusions about the two concepts in terms of
their comparisons.
Demonstrates an application of the information
gained from the comparison and conclusions made.

Harvey Silvers 4 Phases

of a Successful
Comparison:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Describe
Compare
Conclude
Apply

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Section 3 Reading
Into the Wild Krakauer

Chris
Describe
Chriss actions
McCandless

Walt
Describe
Walts actions
McCandless

over the course of the

novel so far.

and behaviors.

How do they compare?

What about their actions
are similar?

Conclusions Drawn
1. Are Chris and Walt more
alike or different?
2. What has caused the
similarities and
differences between Chris
and Walt?
3. How could Chris be so
angry with his father?
4. How does this
comparison enhance your
understanding of Chris
and his actions?

Application
Write a paragraph in which you will discuss the relationship Chris McCandless has with his dad.
How are people affected by their backgrounds? How could the situation between Chris and his dad
have been different? How important is the family relationship on any individual?
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Chris
Describe
Chriss actions
McCandless

Siddhartha
Describe Siddharthas
actions and behaviors.

over the course of the

novel so far.

How do they compare?

What about their actions
are similar?

Conclusions Drawn
1. Are Chris and Siddhartha
more alike or different?
Why?

2. How does this

comparison enhance your
understanding of Chris
and his actions?

Application
Write a paragraph in which you will discuss the relationship Chris McCandless has with Siddhartha.
Who is Siddhartha? How does he compare with Chris McCandless? How might a reader better
understand Chris through the actions of Siddhartha?
15

Is Chris McCandless a Hero?

What elements make up a literary hero?

Where does McCandless fit?

Discussion Questions:
1.
2.

Why is he idolized by so many?

Does Krakauer make him out to be a hero?

16

Eddie Vedder Society

Into The Wild OST
INTRO: Bm
D
A
D
Oh, it's a mystery to me
D
G
A
We have a greed with which we have agreed
G
A
Bm
And you think you have to want more than you need
G
A
Bm
Until you have it all you won't be free
G
D
Society, you're a crazy breed
A
Bm
Hope you're not lonely without me...
D
A
D
When you want more than you have you think you need...
D
G
A
And when you think more than you want your thoughts begin to bleed
G
A
Bm
I think I need to find a bigger place
G
A
Bm
Because when you have more than you think you need more space
G
D
Society, you're a crazy breed
A
Hope you're not lonely without
G
D
Society, crazy indeed
A
Hope you're not lonely without
SOLO:

D - A - D

D - G - A

Bm
me...
Bm
me...
/

G - A - Bm (x2)

G - D - A - Bm

D
A
D
There's those thinking, more-or-less, less is more
D
G
A
But if less is more, how you keeping score?
G
A
Bm
Means for every point you make, your level drops
G
A
Bm
Kinda like you're starting from the top, you can't do that...
G
D
Society, you're a crazy breed
A
Hope you're not lonely without
G
D
Society, crazy indeed
A
Hope you're not lonely without

Bm
me...
Bm
me...

G
D
Society, have mercy on me
A
Bm
Hope you're not angry if I disagree...
G
D
Society, crazy indeed
A
Bm
Hope you're not lonely...without me...

17

The Essay Assignment

Which kind of essay do you need more practice with before you are released to do your Final Exam?
Option 1: Literary Essay
Option 2: Literary Comparison Essay
Option 3: Researched Persuasive Essay
Option 1: Literary Essay (See Flowers for Algernon essay)
Task: After reading Into the Wild, write a unified essay describing the value of this work as
published literature. Check the guidelines below to keep you focus.
Guidelines:
Create a clear thesis statement.
Demonstrate that you have read by analyzing the text for its literary elements and techniques.
Consider the writers style.
Include direct quotes/passages from the text appropriately.
Utilize a multi-paragraph structure.
Follow the standards of written English.

Option 2: Literary Comparison Essay (See Horror Unit Essay)

Task: Compare and/or contrast Into the Wild with another piece of literature (not the other 2 novels
we read this semester, though). Consider the Eddie Vedder lyrics or To Build a Fire, by Jack
London. Be sure to present how a similar theme is present in both pieces of literature, analyzing that
presentation based on the writers style of communication.
Guidelines:
Develop a clear thesis statement.
Be sure to carefully define each text separately.
Include paragraphs of analysis of the comparison/contrast.
Successfully incorporate quote/passage analysis for each text to support your thesis.
Utilize a multi-paragraph structure.
Follow the standards of well-written English.

Option 3: The Persuasive Essay (See Tuesdays with Morrie essay on death/life)
Task: After reading Into the Wild, use researched evidence to persuade your audience what to believe
about survival.
Guidelines:
Create a clear thesis statement. Persuade your audience to believe you.
Use reliable research to support your thesis statement. Use at least 3 reliable sources to support
your opinion.
Consider using examples from the novel as one of your resources. Cite this as a book.
I should be able to locate (by pointing to information from) the 3 different sources used in your
essay.
Be sure to include parenthetical documentation.
Utilize a multiple paragraph structure.
Utilize quotations/passages from your reliable sources, along with analyzing those
quotes/passages correctly, to support your opinion.
18

 Be sure to cite the novel as a source on your Works Cited Page, in addition to your other 2
sources. Missing or incorrectly formatted Works Cited pages will be docked points.

19

UNIT QUIZ/TEST STUDY GUIDE

Quizzes/Test: Below is a list of topic from each section of reading. You are free to take notes on the following topics as you read. You should take
notes on the topics concerning:

Who or what the topic is

What he/she has to say and/or what was said about the place/object/person/event/quote/etc.

How it relates to the story/McCandless (Draw connections to novel) Be specific to the section that you are reading from.

Possibly how this place/object/person/event/quote/etc. gives clues to the mystery of McCandless

Realize that I will be quizzing you on some of these topics along the way, as well as using these topics to test you at the end of the Unit. I may not
choose to use all of these topics in quizzing/testing you, so be sure to be prepared. The more specific you are, the better. If you are too general
and missing the connections this place/object/person/event/quote/etc has to the novel, you will lose points. Do with this as you wish.

Section #1 (pg. 3-46)

Jim Gallien GentlemanwhodroveChrisintoAlaskatoStampedeTrail.Hetriedtotalk
Chrisoutofodyssey,butChrisdidntlisten.Galliendescribedhimselfashaving
issueswithpeoplelikeChrisbecausetheythinkthattheycansurvivethedangersof
thewild.
Alexander/Alex
April 28, 1992
Fairbanks City Transit System: bus 142
Thompson, Samel, and Swanson
Wayne Westerberg
Annadale, Virgina
OXFAM
Old yellow Datsun
Connection made about Henry David Thoreau (Civil Disobedience)
McDonalds Jan and Bob Burres
Section #2 (pg. 47-97)
Ronald Franz
The leather belt
Relationship with his parents
Gene Rosellini
John Mallon Waterman
Carl McCunn
Davis Gulch
Everett Ruess

20

NEMO 1934

21

Section #3 (pg. 98 144)

Anchorage Daily News/Time/The Washington Post article on dead hiker
Jim Gallien
(reaction to
article) Wayne
Westerberg
(reaction to
article) Sam McCandless (reaction to article)
Walt McCandless (characterize him)
Marcia McCandless
Billie (Wilhelmina) McCandless
Chris marches to a different drummer (pg. 107)
Loren Johnson
Disappointment in sports (how does this connect?)
McCandless took lifes inequities to heart. (pg. 113)
Chriss trip southwest after high school graduation
Secret relationship with Marcia McCandless
Carine McCandless (characterization)
The Devils Thumb
Importance of this story on story of McCandless
Section #4 (pgs. 145-203)
Lewis Krakauer
Importance of this story on story of McCandless
I knew that people sometimes died climbing mountains. But at the age of twenty-three, personal mortality the idea
of my own death was still largely outside my conceptual grasp. (pg. 151).
McCandlesss declaration of independence
Deliberate living
He was right in saying that the only certain happiness in life is to live for others (pg. 169)
The mistakes he made (Chapter 17 End)
Identification of moose

22

Pot. Seed (potato seed)

Additional concepts that will show up on the Unit Test:
Jack London
Law of Club and Fang
Naturalism (naturalist)
Darwin
Romanticism
(Romantic)
Henry David Thoreau
simple living
Live deep
Civil Disobedience
Literary Hero
Themes from novel
Siddhartha
KrakauersCharacterization

23