Project for presentation to class
Into the Wild – by Jon Krakauer
Please read all three pages.
Choose ONE of the following to present to the class – EITHER Sound Decisions OR Cover Me.
INTO THE WILD: Sound Decisions
What if Sean Penn hadn’t asked Eddie Vedder to write and compose the soundtrack for the film version
Into the Wild (see sample below)? What other artists, songs and sounds could he have selected to create
a fitting backdrop for Chris McCandless’ adventure?
As you read, think about the moods and feelings that strike you at different points and with different events
in the book. Think about songs you know that could relate to important events, ideas, and characters in
Into the Wild, and create a 3-song soundtrack (by the same or varied artists) that you could present as
appropriate for the film. You do NOT need to burn a CD for this project, but you need to have the songs
with you to play in class during your presentation (iPod for example). Follow the steps below.
Choose three (3) songs that relate to a specific chapter, event, character, location, or theme of the

book
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
In a well-written paragraph for EACH SONG, explain the connection between the book and the
song; each paragraph should include at least one (1) quotation from the book as support for your
choice (be sure to include the PAGE NUMBER for the quotation)
Print the lyrics and author, and performer for the songs and attach them to your analyses
“Society”
by Jerry Hannan, performed by Eddie Vedder for the Into the Wild soundtrack
Oh it's a mystery to me.
We have a greed, with which we have agreed...
and you think you have to want more than you need...
until you have it all, you won't be free.
Society, you're a crazy breed.
I hope you're not lonely, without me.
When you want more than you have, you think you need...
and when you think more then you want, your thoughts begin to bleed.
I think I need to find a bigger place...
cause when you have more than you think, you need more space.
Society, you're a crazy breed.
I hope you're not lonely, without me.
Society, crazy indeed...
I hope you're not lonely, without me.
There's those thinkin' more or less, less is more,
but if less is more, how you keepin' score?
It means for every point you make, your level drops.
Kinda like you're startin' from the top...
and you can't do that.
Society, you're a crazy breed.
I hope you're not lonely, without me.
Society, crazy indeed...
I hope you're not lonely, without me
Society, have mercy on me.
I hope you're not angry, if I disagree.
Society, crazy indeed.
I hope you're not lonely...
without me.
INTO THE WILD: Cover Me
Complete BOTH A and B!
Task A:
The Petoskey Board of Ed has been requested by other districts to provide evaluations of the works read in
English classes, and our class has been assigned to evaluate Into the Wild. Many students have strong
reactions to this book, either hating it or greatly enjoying it. Express your opinion of the book in the form of
a typed book review of at least 1 ½ pages. Do not make recommendations about whether or not Petoskey
Schools should keep the book in the curriculum—your job is simply to write a professional-quality book
review about Into the Wild.
Keep in mind that book reviews usually contain:
 Both strengths and weaknesses of the book (these don’t need to be evenly discussed—if you loved
the book, include more strengths than weaknesses!)
 Specifics that illustrate both good and bad about the book
 Analysis of the author’s style
 A suggested audience that might enjoy the book
Reviews do NOT offer suggestions about what the author should have done, and they are NOT written in
first person (that is, do NOT use “I,” “we” or “our,” etc.)
NOTE: If you would like to read a sample book review, go to amazon.com, choose any book, and scroll down for
“editorial reviews.” Do not read one for Into the Wild, however, as this will encourage cheating, and I’ll be able to tell
if you plagiarized.
Task B:
For its next edition, publishers want to issue Into the Wild with a new cover. Submit your version of what
the new cover should look like. You will not be judged on your artistic ability, and you may use clip art or
images from other sources if you must (try to use your own hand however). You will be judged on how creatively
and appropriately your idea for a cover reflects the feel of Into the Wild. Create a cover that will make
people pick up the book at a bookstore (take a look at current books on display at McLean & Eakin or Horizon booksellers – there
is some very cool artwork out there associated with BOOKS, of all things!).
Grading:
I will assign the same number of points to this project as I do for the second
and third quizzes, combined, for A Separate Peace (between 30-40 points). I will supply you with a scoring
rubric next week so you know how your work will be evaluated.
I realize that you will be doing the majority of this work outside of class; it is basically an independent study
project. I am very excited to see what you will create! We completed a similar project two years ago when I
taught Honors I, and it was great. The students enjoyed looking for music that "matched" the book.
Let's plan to have you present your project to the class on Monday or Tuesday of Thanksgiving Break
week, Nov. 23 or 24. If you know you will not be here on those days, please let me know right away!
For more information on the true story:
The original Outside magazine article:
http://outside.away.com/outside/features/1993/1993_into_the_wild_1.html
A Men’s Health article discussing the impact of the book 15 years after Chris’s death and the making of the
film:
http://www.mensjournal.com/feature/M162/M162_TheCultofChrisMcCandless.html
For photos of the area where Chris lived in Alaska, including the bus:
Look up “akfirebug” on flickr.com
For more information about the movie, including clips and interactive links:
www.intothewild.com