Into the Wild
By: Jon Krakauer
Date
Dec. 12/13
Dec. 18
Dec. 19/20
Responsibilities
Be ready to discuss Chapters 1-10 (pgs. 1-102). Possible reading
quiz.
Be ready to discuss Chapters 11-Epilogue (pgs. 103-203). Possible
reading quiz.
In-class essay test- open book/notes.
Ultimately, we will be exploring Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau’s
philosophies and writings as they impact Into the Wild. As you read this book, pay
attention to similarities between Transcendental ideas and the motivations or actions of
Chris McCandless. Additionally, you should pay attention to Krakauer’s comments on
the Transcendental ideology.
You will discover that Chris McCandless was an avid reader, and those readings had a
huge impact on his life choices. You will see references to Emerson and Thoreau.
Listed below are two other authors that will be alluded to in the book.
Author
Summary of work
Leo Tolstoy The Russian author of War and Peace, Anna
Karenina. Wrote from a Realist perspective. All
occurrences have a logical meaning. People are
complex.
Jack
The American author of Call of the Wild and
London
White Fang. Wrote from a Naturalist
perspective. Intuition is key. Natural world
gives insights to life.
Important Note: Chris McCandless used the pseudonym of Alex
Into the Wild is YOUR book. Write in it! Highlight it! Dog-ear important pages!