Into The Wild Chris Mccandless Character Analysis

Chris McCandless is the main character of Jon Krakauer`s novel Into the Wild. McCandless displays impregnable determination and independence; however, his lack of common sense and impetuous decisions control his life. McCandless`s odyssey of the America West and Alaska bring out all of his traits, both good and bad. McCandless stays undeterred by other`s request and donations throughout his journey. He was a hard worker, wherever he worked and was determined to finish his work. However, he, as described by a co-worker, “[would] get moody, wouldn`t like to be bothered. Seemed like a kid who was looking for something, look for something, just didn`t know what it was” (Krakauer 42). He was determined to a fault; furthermore, he would always

As called out upon by multiple readers of the article about McCandless in Outside including this critique: “Why would anyone intending to ‘live off the land for a few months’ forget Boy Scot rule number one: Be Prepared? Why would any son cause his parents and family permanent and perplexing pain?”(Krakauer 71). Krakauer also commented on this same matter with a similar feeling, “McCandless was a seeker and had an impractical fascination with the harsh side of nature. Like Waterman and McCunn, he displayed a staggering paucity of common sense” (Krakauer 85). Both Krakauer and the reader`s opinions are supported in the novel through McCandless`s actions and decision. Chris is rash in his decision making and does not give much thought before deciding; in addition to this example, he also heedlessly left his supportive family, gave up on his car with most of his belongings in a matter of hours when it was not starting, and declined most support, money, transportation from others. He brushed off the warnings of others and continued with his plan in multiple instances, one of which ended up killing him. McCandless had no close relationship with any women during his journey. However, he was found amiable by many men who offered help to him. Chris left his family at the beginning, and he left them in the dark about his