Into the Wild: Chris McCandless as Role Model

Good Essays
There had never been and there would never be someone exactly like Chris McCandless. Chris has a middle class background and stands out from his peers because he believes that society restrains his independence. He leaves his past life and wanders America heading toward the lonely Alaskan wilderness to find who he really is. He discovers ways of moving to Alaska despite leaving behind all of his possessions and social status. Chris’s sincerity and integrity earn the respect of the people he meets. He inspires people leave behind their old life and explore the country by documenting his experiences. Chris loves to challenge himself and after succeeding academically he finds purpose through self deprivation. Chris chooses Alaska because its' remote location makes it a challenging journey and destination. By surviving with as little equipment as possible he shows that happiness does not depend on comfort. His books give him the strength to continue traveling and are what inspires him to live in isolation. Before Chris's life ends he shows his happiness and satisfaction with his decisions by leaving a message and a quote from Robinson Jeffers poem. Chris McCandless is a role model for a young generation.

Chris McCandless’s sincerity and ardent beliefs captivate the souls of the people he meets. When Chris meets Mary Westerberg "she [isn’t] enthusiastic about meeting [him]" because he is a laborer on her grain mill. However after talking to Chris for a few minutes she “couldn’t get him out of [her] mind". Chris offers an honest conversation and that is enough to change her disparaging opinion of his nomadic lifestyle. Mary realizes that "Chris [is] the sort person who [insists] on living out his beliefs"(Krakauer 67) and that the so...

... middle of paper ...

...survive and now acknowledges to his family and friends that he dies happy. Chris has a worldview that gives him strength and serenity when he needs them.

Chris lives a life that shall be imitated. When he is destitute his character gains him loyal friends who help him achieve his goals. He lives his life to the fullest because he challenges himself in a way that feels meaningful . He lives a pious life studying his books while living out his ideal life and dies content knowing that he accomplishes his goal of discovering who he is. Chris's goal is in the wilderness of Alaska but anyone with different goals can learn about living a meaningful life from Chris's experience.

Works Cited

"Robinson Jeffers - Poems, Biography, Quotes." Robinson Jeffers - Poems, Biography, Quotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 201
Get Access