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How Did Chris Mccandless Survive In Into The Wild

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Jon Krakauer’s novel, Into the Wild, tells the story of Chris McCandless’s foolish choice to abandon his life and travel the country, lacking proper knowledge on how to successfully survive in the wilderness, severing all connections with his family, and living in the wild with minimal supplies. Although Chris did not have a strong relationship with his parents prior to his departure, it was evident that they still cared a great deal about his well being and his whereabouts. When asked about the death of his son, Walt states, “The hardest part,” … his voice cracking almost imperceptibly, “is simply not having him around anymore. I spent a lot of time with Chris… I really liked his company even though he frustrated us so often,” (Krakauer pg. …show more content…

Krakauer explains “[Stuckey] took the boy to a grocery store, where he bought a big bag of rice, ‘and then Alex said he wanted to go out to the University to study up on what kind of plants he could eat. Berries and things like that.’” (Krakauer pg. 159). Despite his efforts to become familiar with surviving in the wilderness, Chris could not have been less prepared for the new life he was about to lead. Still, going into the wilderness, Chris carried a small load on his back, weighing only about 25 or 30 pounds and holding very few supplies that, undoubtedly, would not last him through the winter. Krakauer explains, “Alex admitted that the only food in his pack was a ten-pound bag of rice. His gear seemed exceedingly minimal for the harsh conditions of the interior... Alex’s cheap leather hiking boots were neither waterproof nor well insulated. His rifle was only .22 caliber, a bore too small to rely on if he expected to kill large animals like moose and caribou, which he would have to eat if he hoped to remain very long in the country. He had no ax, no bug dope, no snowshoes, no

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