Inspiration or Fool?

"This has been regarded as evidence not just of stupidity but of the even greater sin of arrogance" (Krakauer 180).

As though some readers may think that Chris's lifestyle was inspirational, I think that he was a fool. First off, why would he go out into the wilderness without survival skills and tools. I think how Chris stopped writing to his parents was selfish-- his parents must have been worried sick, and from Chris not caring, it shows how much he does not respect them. Traveling was doing something he loves--which I think was inspirational to see him follow his interest--but giving up on life doesn't seem ideal to me. Chris was a fool to detach himself from the world, he says that "happiness is only possible when shared," but if he was so "happy" then who was he sharing it with?

Isolated and Cold: Into The Wild

"In a letter delineating his quarrels with Walt and Billie, Chris once wrote to her, "Anyway, I like to talk to you about this because you are the only person in the world who could possibly understand what I'm saying" (Krakauer 128).

This quote shows family dynamics. Chris is writing this letter his sister, the one person he actually talks to--his parents are not in his life according to Chris. The dynamics of this quote is showing how Chris has grown into a self-reliant man and as the years passed on he became more isolated and cold toward his family. I think he only talks to his sister because she is his real sister... not one of his half-brothers. His sister would understand because she has grown up with the same two parents her whole life with Chris.

Lack of Intimacy: Into the Wild

"When Gallien asked whether his parents or a friend knew what he was up to--whether there was anyone who would sound the alarm if he got into trouble and was overdue--Alex answered calmly that no, nobody knew of his plans, that in fact he hadn't spoken to his family in nearly two years" (Krakauer 6). 

The topic of family dynamics is revealed in this quote, also the way he travels. When Alex tells Gallien that he has not talked to his family in two years, it brings up the question of why he has not talked to them. Alex and his family never really got along, and Alex chose to leave the materialistic world that his parents were so absorbed in--for a calm and naturing adventure. It is strange how he told no one about his "disappearing" plans--but it shows how he never relied on other people and he only truly had his sister that he was close to. The lack of relationships Alex has had, could be seen as exemplifying him and his parents bad relationship,which causes Alex to have a fear of rejection and/or failure; thus not being able to be intimate with anyone. Alex lives in a carefree way, not thinking about how his family or anyone else might be feeling about his disappearance.