Chris Mccandless Materialism

667 Words2 Pages

In Jon Krakauer’s “Into the Wild,” the portrayal of Chris McCandless as a complex individual driven by idealism, rebellion, and the pursuit of an authentic experience stands in stark contrast to Craig Medred’s oversimplified and oleaginous interpretation in “The Beatification of Chris McCandless: From Thieving Poacher into Saint.” Krakauer’s nuanced approach offers a more compelling analysis of the journeys of McCandless, supported by evidence from his writings, his interactions with others, and the broader historical and cultural context. Krakauer’s depiction of Chris McCandless acknowledges the intricacies of his character, presenting him as more than a mere saintly figure. McCandless’ decision to venture into the Alaskan wilderness was not …show more content…

For instance, Krakauer writes, “McCandless was thrilled to be on his way north, and he was relieved as well—relieved that he had again evaded the impending threat of human intimacy, of friendship, and all the messy emotional baggage that comes with it" (Krakauer, 39). Krakauer elucidates McCandless’ conflicted relationship with human connection, illuminating his desire for solitude and independence. Conversely, Medred’s portrayal simplifies McCandless into a satirically evangelical figure devoid of flaws to prove a point, failing to capture the complexity of his motivations and experiences. Moreover, Krakauer’s interpretation is fortified by thorough research and firsthand accounts, providing a nuanced understanding of McCandless’ journey. Through interviews with those who encountered McCandless and a detailed examination of his writing and belongings, Krakauer constructs a diligent narrative that sheds light on the factors contributing to McCandless’ tragic end. Krakauer states, “He was so enthralled by it [the wilderness] that he wrote, ‘I’ve decided that I’m going to live this life for some time to …show more content…

Furthermore, Krakauer extensively quotes from McCandless’ diary and letters, enabling readers to glimpse into his inner thoughts and struggles. In contrast, Medred’s interpretation lacks such depth, relying on simplistic anecdotes and selective interpretations that fail to grasp the complexities of McCandless’ journey. By the same token, Krakauer situates McCandless’ story within the broader context of American culture and history, exploring the societal forces that shaped his beliefs and actions. He explores the allure of the wilderness and the myth of the ‘rugged individual’ in American society, highlighting how these ideals molded McCandless’ worldview. Krakauer reflects, “McCandless was some feckless slacker, adrift and confused, racked by existential despair. To the contrary: His philosophy of renunciation was a profoundly moral one" (Krakauer, 126). Challenging the notion of McCandless as a reckless wanderer as Medred portrays, Krakauer instead understands him as a principled individual driven by a moral

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