Into the Wild--Activity 23: Considering the Structure of the Text
Mapping out the organizational structure of the text helps us to understand the content
itself.
Outlining Chapters 8–10
Briefly outline each of these chapters and explain its function.
• Chapter 8:
• Chapter 9:
• Chapter 10:
• How important is it for us to compare McCandless with Rosellini, Ruess, and
Waterman?
• Why did Krakauer give us these details?
Outlining Chapters 11–13
These chapters give us important background knowledge.
1. Would the book have been more effective if Krakauer had used a different organizing
strategy?
2. What if the book had ended with McCandless’s death (i.e., moved chronologically)?
Argue for an organizing strategy (either Krakauer’s strategy or another one).
Outlining Chapters 14 and 15
In these two chapters, we learn about Krakauer.
3. Are these chapters important to the story of McCandless?
4. What do they add?
5. Is there an argument for dumping them?
6. In the first few pages of Chapter 14, Krakauer gives his thesis for the whole book. Can
you find it?
7. Do you agree with Krakauer’s thesis? Why or why not?