Analysis Of Into The Wild By Jon Krakauer

Familial conflict is inevitable in all families, but will naturally fade as time passes because of the heavy influence of family life. However, more stubborn families will not be able to reconcile as easily, or sometimes never. In Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer, Krakauer relates to the rigid relationship Chris McCandless has with his family, with the exception of Carine. Although personal principles and stubbornness disrupt family relationships, McCandless behaves as what he disapproves of his parents: their oppressiveness and his father’s secret. As Krakauer explains the McCandless’ family situations and his values, the topic of McCandless’ belief that “wealth was shameful, corrupting, and inherently evil” is brought up, while his parents believed there was “nothing wrong with enjoying the fruits of their

Revealing his own disputes with his father, Krakauer admits that he “had been granted unusual freedom and responsibility” but, nevertheless, felt “oppressed by the old man’s expectations”(148). Krakauer is able to reflect back and asses himself, while McCandless does not have to opportunity to. With this account, Krakauer suggests a similar outcome where McCandless has a changed view of his father. Even though Krakauer had also discovered that his father had secrets, he concludes that over the years, “my rage was gone” and that “it had been supplanted by a rueful sympathy and something not unlike affection”(148). Unlike McCandless, forgiveness came naturally to Krakauer without the epiphany McCandless experienced during his journey. The magnetic pull of family presents a different outcome of a familial conflict than McCandless: one where it does not involve death or a transcendental journey. Throughout the work, Krakauer emphasizes the values of family, as well as theorizing McCandless’ changed views had the outcome been