Into The Wild Identity Analysis

Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer is a realistic fiction novel about a man named Christopher Johnson McCandless who leaves society behind and goes on an adventure, eventually to die in his dream destination, Alaska. Chris McCandless abandoned his family, donated all of his savings to charity, only took a few possessions and walked into the wild. He met many influential people and went to different places that shaped him along the way. When he eventually made it to the place he had been planning to go, Alaska, he eventually died of starvation. Chris McCandless’s identity throughout the novel Into the Wild was shown through his actions, was shaped by his interests, and was also affected by his values and beliefs, though he often did not live up to them. Christopher McCandless displays his unique identity in his actions because he acts based on his beliefs and interests. McCandless graduates college with honors, but then leaves all of his old life behind for a life on the road. He cuts off contact with his family, sends all his money to charity, and only takes a few belongings with him. (Krakauer 20-23) This action helps to show McCandless’s identity as a man who travels alone and is self reliant. It also show that he values education and was smart. After this incident, McCandless changes his name to Alexander Supertramp, master of his own

Chris demonstrates his unique identity in his actions, by doing things that most people in society wouldn’t do. McCandless’s interests helped to shape his identity when he was influenced by the people he talked to or liked, and the places that he visited. His values and beliefs are what motivated him to live his life the way that he did, and though he didn’t always live up to them, they were very important to