Examples Of Family Identity In Into The Wild

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When one looks at a family photo they make an interpretation on the perceived reality of smiling faces and comfortable expression. What is not captured by these constructions is the truth that is often hidden within an “ideal family”. Pictures, beautiful homes, family vacations, and status all help to paint an illusion that conceal the reality of the strain that domestic relationships face. The appearance of family identity can often seem ideal, but beyond this dimension can be a less than ideal truth. Complicated relationships between family members can often occur due to expectations and values that do not align. Parental figures establish standards regarding personal and life values. Relationships that are oppressive can express expectations …show more content…

In Into the Wild, Chris abandons his status as an educated, successful and wealthy individual to seek a life that he can experience “to the fullest extent in which real meaning is found (pg. 37).” He hopes to discover this real meaning by secluding himself from others and concentrating on basic needs in order to satisfy a life beyond material satisfaction. Chris’s journey echoes a rejection to the social expectations that are imposed on him by his father and society that construct an illusion of happiness around status and wealth. Chris’s father emphasize that the only way to make an impact was to “go to college… [and] get a law degree (pg. 114)”. McCandless resists this idea and wishes to make an impact in his own way, but still succumbs to his parent’s pressure to be successful in society. When Chris makes the decision to not attend law school he knew that he would be viewed as a disappointment in his father’s eyes but chooses to seek happiness that was beyond his privilege. Chris’s identity was defined by his success and status, something that his parents placedgreat pressure in achieving. In order to escape his parent’s expectations and construct his own intimate identity, Chris secludes himself in nature and pushes his limits to survive. Although this does result in Chris’s death, he is able to achieve a life that is beyond the false meaning of material and social

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