Module 8
Grab an Into the Wild book from the back
shelf and sign in at my desk
2. Label and Enter into TOC:
(2 sets of pg. 25)
11/9: 25l – 25R: ITW Dated Quickwrites
1.
 Where would you go?
 What would you bring with you?
 How would you prepare? (ex: packing, tell
your family? Drop out of school? Wait until
summer?)
 What would be the goal(s) for you to
accomplish, personally? (physical goal,
spiritual goal, intellectual goal, etc…)
Epigraph
 a phrase, quotation, or poem that is set at the
beginning of a document or component;
 helps focus our reading by offering an intriguing
hint or clue to events that occur later in the plot.
2. Allusion
 a reference to another piece of work – in this sense,
usually other literature
3. Maps
 Give you a visual picture of the land McCandless
traveled.
1.
 Best-selling American
author and mountaineer
 His novels typically detail
scenarios based in the wild
outdoors
 ITW is based on an article
about McCandless that
Krakauer wrote for Outside
Magazine.
 ITW is widely considered
Krakauer’s “big break.”
 Protagonist: the leading or
main character in a text
 A young college graduate
who went off to explore in
Alaska
 Died in the woods.
 Subject of controversy for
many years following his
death.
“Was Chris McCandless an idealistic hero,
or a reckless fool?”
 Idealistic: unrealistic; aiming for the perfect situation
 Hero: a person who is admired for courage,
outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.
 Reckless: not thinking or caring about consequences
 Fool: a person who acts unwisely.
Category
Time/Loc Descriptio
ation
n/
Summary
Categories
Background and Family History
Personality Characteristics
Actions
Emotional State
Mental Status/ Thoughts
Physical State
Cited
Evidence
What does
this
prove?
 Provide quote commentary for the epigraphs at the
beginning of ch. 3.
 Within your commentary, include:
1. context/background of the quote within ITW
2. explanation of the quote
3. opinion of meaning
4. connection to the driving question:
 What do these quotes lead you to believe about
Chris? Is he an idealistic hero or a reckless fool?
Reading Quiz Ch. 1-5
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
T/ F: Chris met with his family one last time
before leaving on his expedition.
T/F: The men who found Chris’ dead body were
truck drivers.
Where did Chris land after almost drowning in a
canoe (ch. 4)? a. California b. Alaska c. Mexico
Where did Chris get a job after leaving Las Vegas
(ch. 5)? a. McDonald’s b. Burger King
c.Wendy’s
What did Chris change his name to?
a. Alexander Supertrail b. Alexander Supertramp
c. Alexander Megatramp
6. What is an epigraph?
7. What is a literary allusion?
8. Why did Chris ditch his yellow Datsun car?
Describe the situation that led up to him leaving the
car behind.
9. Why doesn’t Chris take pictures from May 1991 –
January 1992?
10. Describe your feelings about Chris McCandless
so far with regards to his a. personality, b. his
intelligence and c. his relationship with his family.
False (1)
False (1)
C. Mexico (1)
A. McDonald’s (1)
B. Alexander Supertramp (1)
A short intro to the chapter in the form of a quote, letter,
excerpt. Focuses the reading of the chapter. Often gives
clues(2)
7. A reference to another work (2)
8. There was a storm, a flood, and the battery died. He
didn’t want to alert authorities, so he left it. (3)
9. He buried his backpack, living a nomadic life, and the
camera was ruined. (2)
10. Opinion – each letter response = (2 pts x 3 = 6 pts)
Total = 20
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1.
At this point, do you believe Chris is an idealistic
hero or a reckless fool? Why? (5 sentence response)
1.
Pages 51-52 describes an etched leather belt that
Chris creates with the help of Franz. On page 42R,
(Pictures) recreate the belt based on the descriptions
in Ch. 6.
 Some things you might include:
 “ALEX,” the initials “C.J.M,” a skull and crossbones, a “No
U-Turn” sign, hitchhiker’s thumb, an eagle, mountains,
salmon, The Pacific Coast Highway, wheat fields, a
canoe and tent, Las Vegas, The initials “T.C.D,” the
Colorado River, the letter “N.”
Critical Thinking / Discussion Protocol
Time
Presentation
Presenter’s share their quickwrite response and their opinion; Audience
listens ONLY!
1 minute
Clarification
1 minute
Audience asks any clarifying questions they may have about the presenter’s
opinion and presenters may respond.
Notes
Audience takes notes on pg. __ about the presenter’s Point of view;
presenter waits – no discussion
1 minute
Audience Commentary
Audience responds to the presenter’s ideas with what they like, dislike, or
agree/disagree with. Presenter listens and takes notes about the audience’s
comments.
1 minute
Reflection
Final discussion point on the topic – anyone may speak within the group,
presenter responds to the audience’s comments
1 minute
Reading Quiz Ch. 6-7
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
What things did Chris/Alex carve into the leather
belt? List 5 details. (2)
How old did Chris turn on his birthday on Feb. 12,
1992? (1)
T/F: Ron Franz takes Chris’ advice and sells his
possessions to take on a nomadic life. (1)
T/F: Ron becomes even more devout in his Christian
faith after learning of Chris’ death. (1)
Describe, in detail, the relationship between Chris
McCandless and Ronald Franz (ch. 6) (3)
Describe Chris’ interactions with members of the
opposite sex as discussed in chapter 7. (2)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
What things did Chris/Alex carve into the leather
belt? List 5 details. (2)
How old did Chris turn on his birthday on Feb. 12,
1992? (1)
T/F: Ron Franz takes Chris’ advice and sells his
possessions to take on a nomadic life. (1)
T/F: Ron becomes even more devout in his Christian
faith after learning of Chris’ death. (1)
Describe, in detail, the relationship between Chris
McCandless and Ronald Franz (ch. 6) (3)
Describe Chris’ interactions with members of the
opposite sex as discussed in chapter 7. (2)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Scenes from his travels – hitchhiker’s thumb, mountains,
salmon, PCH, the ocean, his initials “CJM, ” ALEX, no uturn, 2-lane highway, thunderstorm etc. (pg. 51-52). (2
points)
24 (1)
True (1)
False (1)
Close bond; lectured each other; Ron wanted to adopt
Chris and became very attached; continued
correspondence; Chris left him to be rid of “messy”
emotional baggage; Ron listened to Chris’ advice. (3)
He never spoke of girlfriends; did not seem to be sexually
active; brought a girl home once while drunk, but she was
sent home; practically lived like a celibate monk (2).
• Chart the similarities and differences between Chris
McCandless and the three other characters
described in Ch. 8.
Similarities to Chris
Rosellini
Waterman
McCunn
Differences with Chris
• Refer to your chart from yesterday.
• Now, add Everette Ruess to the chart and note take
similarities and differences to McCandless while
reading ch. 9.
Similarities to Chris
Rosellini
Waterman
McCunn
Reuss
Differences with Chris
Reading Quiz Ch. 8-13
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Mount McKinley, in Alaska, is the tallest mountain
peak in North America. What is the native name of
this mountain? A) Denube B) Denali C) Denai (1)
T/F: Chris’ anger toward his parents stemmed from
their love of money. (1)
T/F: After his freshman year of college, Chris declared
he wanted to pursue law school following his college
graduation. (1)
Who was Chris closest with out of his immediate
family members? (1)
List 3 words that you think accurately describe Chris’
personality. (1)
6. In a paragraph (approx. 5-7 sentences), describe the
relationship between Chris and his parents, as detailed
in chapters 11-13. Use 1+ cited piece(s) of evidence to
support your ideas. Pay close attention to:
 their interactions,
 Chris’ reasons for being angry,
 How Chris responds (or doesn’t respond) to his father’s
advice.
(5)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
B (1)
F (1)
T (1)
His sister, Carine (1)
(must be accurate 1)
(5)
• Now, add Jon Krakauer to the chart and note take
similarities and differences to McCandless after
reading chapter 15.
Similarities to Chris
Rosellini
Waterman
McCunn
Reuss
Krakauer
Differences with Chris
 H. Makenzii wild sweet
pea
v.
H. alpinum or wild
potato
Reading Quiz Ch. 14-15
In chapters 14-15, who is Chris compared to? (1)
2. Who taught Jon Krakauer how to climb? (1)
3. Where is the mountain, the Devil’s Thumb located? (1)
4. What are two similarities between Krakauer’s own
experiences in his childhood/young adult years and
Chris’ experiences? (2)
5. “[His father] never understood that the Devil’s Thumb
was the same as medical school, only different” (150).
 Explain the meaning of this quote in context.
 How does this statement by Krakauer relate to Chris
McCandless’ relationship with his own father, Walt? (5)
1.
Reading Quiz Ch. 16-17
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
T/F: Stuckey broke company policy by picking up
Chris, who was hitchhiking. (1)
What 2 things did the RV driver, Stuckey, beg Chris to
do as he was leaving him in Fairbanks? (2)
T/F: Chris began his solo adventure in Alaska with no
supplies. (1)
T/F: Chris survived for two weeks off the moose that he
shot. (1)
List 2 things that Jon Krakauer finds in the bus when
he visits it following Chris’ death. (2)
Who is Sir John Franklin, and why was Chris
McCandless compared to him? (3)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The author, Jon Krakauer
His father
Alaska
Any 2 accurate
Opinion with proof
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
True
Write him a letter, call his parents
False
False
Bird feathers, Gallien’s boots, bear skill, O Jerusalem!
(books), flight pants, graffiti, Chris’ pots/pans, jeans,
toothbrush/paste, gold crown from Chris’ tooth, nail
clippers, lamp, canteen, water purification tablets,
Chapstick, matches, bug repellent, wool mittens, etc.
1) 19th Century British naval officer. Infamous tragic
figure; responsible for 140 deaths, including his own. Sent
by British Admiralty to lead an expedition into Canada.
Unprepared, his crew dies of scurvy, starvation, and
suffered greatly. 2) Insufficient respect for the land. Both
starved. Both were arrogant regarding their abilities.
Neither mastered crucial survival skills.
Module 8 Essay: Prompt & Outline
“Was Chris McCandless an idealistic hero,
or a reckless fool?”
 Idealistic: unrealistic; aiming for the perfect situation
 Hero: a person who is admired for courage,
outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.
 Reckless: not thinking or caring about consequences
 Fool: a person who acts unwisely.
 Thesis
 Body Paragraph #1:
 Main idea
 Quote – cited (#)
 Body Paragraph #2:
 Main idea
 Quote – cited (#)
 Body Paragraph #3
 Main idea
 Quote – cited (#)
 Counterargument
Paragraph:
 Counterargument
statement
 C.A. quote
 Rebuttal statement
 Rebuttal quote
 Refer to your Quickwrite from Monday, 11/10 on pg. 37L
and use a poster paper to detail your responses.
1. Select a location for your journey and describe the
following:




How will you prepare?
When will you go (what time of the year)?
How will you get to your destination?
How long will this journey be?
What is the objective of your journey?
3. Create a packing list/ list of supplies
2.
 What type of terrain or environmental elements could you
face?
4.
Create an action plan of what you will do when you
arrive.
 Describe a situation involving your parent(s) or
guardian(s) that caused you to change, or want to change,
something about yourself.
 In other words, describe how your parents’ actions
caused you to change or want to change something
about yourself either positively or negatively because of
the way your parents are.
 (For example, perhaps your parents never finished high
school, therefore you want to graduate and go to college.)
Brainstorm a list of 3-5 examples of how Chris’ actions
demonstrate heroism, and 3-5 examples of his his
actions are reckless.
Heroic
Reckless
Now, write your own opinion answering the Module 8
prompt: Is Chris McCandless an idealistic hero or a
reckless fool?
 Use a large poster paper to depict your storyboard
 Independently or in groups up to 3 people
Create a list or story plot map of the most important or
key events (around 10-15 events) of the novel that create
the whole story line or plot.
 What big picture, key events led to Chris’ death in
Alaska?
2. Decide if each event depicts Chris as an idealistic hero or
a reckless fool.
3. Create some sort of visual (comic strips or storyboard
layout) to depict these key events
1.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
37L: Intro Quickwrite of personal journey
37R: Notes: ITW text features
41R: 11/17 Picture of etched leather belt
41R: 12/3: Pictures of the Teklanika “crucial mistake”
43L: 11/13 Quickwrite: Epigraph commentary
43L: 11/18 Quickwrite: McCandless as a hero or a
fool
43L: 11/19 Chart: Similarities and Differences
between McCandless and Rosellini, Waterman, &
McCunn
43L: 12/2: Chart: Sim/Diff between Chris and
Krakauer
 I will check these
 3 pts a page x a possible 7 pages = 21 points
 Up to my discretion
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Groups of 3-4 people
Give the person to your left your paper
First reading = peer edit
Pass the paper to the left again
Second reading = literary review on a
separate piece of paper. Attach the literary
response to that person’s paper.
Highlight thesis & rebuttal statements
1.
 Are they promoting the same argument?
2. Highlight the counterargument statement in a
different color.
 Does it oppose the thesis and the rebuttal?
Label the evidence from each paragraph with a colored
bracket. [ ]
4. Review the quote commentary:
3.
Label quote context/background with a “B”
Label the explanation of the quote with an “E”
Label the writer’s opinion about the quote with an “O”
Label the connection to the thesis with a “T”
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
Note, that multiple parts of commentary may happen within one
sentence.
 On a separate piece of paper, respond to the
following prompts about your peer’s essay in a 2
paragraph response.
1. Summarize the main argument of the essay and
refer to 1 specific piece of evidence that the writer
quotes.
2. Decide if you agree or disagree with the writer’s
argument. Why?
1.
2.
Did they use any faulty or loose arguments?
Did you use similar pieces of evidence?
 Make sure YOUR name is on the literary review and staple it
to the back of the essay.