Text Dependent Questions: Analyzing Into the Wild
Chapter: _____
DueDate:M/W / T/Th / Text-Dependent Questions / Evidence-Based Answers (Chapter + page #)
1/10 / 1/11 / From Author’s Notes:
In paragraph 4, Krakauer introduces some themes of the book. Discuss these themes.
In paragraph 5, Krakauer warns us that he will not be an impartial biographer. What does this mean?
Should we admire McCandless for his courage and noble and ideas?
Was he a reckless idiot?
Was he crazy?
Was he an arrogant narcissist?
1/17 / 1/18 / Ch 1-3
Read the epigraphs for each chapter and explain why you think these epigraphs are relevant.
How would you characterize McCandless’s relationships with other people: his parents, sister, and Westerberg?
What did his friends make of his secretive life?
1/24 / 1/25 / Ch 4-7
Read the epigraphs for each chapter and explain why you think these epigraphs are relevant.
Why did the works of Thoreau appeal to McCandless? Consider how McCandless might have incorporated Thoreau’s advice into his life philosophy.
Reread the notes at the end of Ch 7 that McCandless sent to his friends. What is his tone? What is his attitude? To what extent do you agree or disagree with his opinion?
1/31 / 2/1 / Ch8-10
Read the epigraphs for each chapter and explain why you think these epigraphs are relevant.
Reread Ch 8, and consider the charges by others against Krakauer. What are they? Should they be taken seriously? Why or why not?
Consider how the story of the papar (Irish monks) relates to the story of the “outcasts” that Krakauer discusses in Ch. 9.
2/7 / 2/8 / Ch 11-13
Read the epigraphs for each chapter and explain why you think these epigraphs are relevant.
Consider McCandless’ family history. Characterize each of McCandless’ family members. What are their strengths and weaknesses.
Was McCandless reasonable in his reaction to his parents’ past? Should he have forgiven them?
How do you think the information about his parents’ difficulties early in their relationship affected McCandless? Does his anger at them explain something about McCandless’ choices in life?
2/14 / 2/15 / Ch 14 and 15
Read the epigraphs for each chapter and explain why you think these epigraphs are relevant.
Compare/contrast McCandless’ relationship with his father and Krakauer’s relationship with his.
Do you think Krakauer understands McCandless? Why or why not? Does the author feel some sort of affinity or connection to McCandless?
Respond to this quote from the end of Ch 15: “It is easy, why you are young, to believe that what you desire is no less than what you deserve, to assume that if you want something badly enough, it is your God-given right to have it” (155).
2/21 / 2/22 / Ch 16-18
Read the epigraphs for each chapter and explain why you think these epigraphs are relevant.
List the various miscalculations and mistakes McCandless made.
What did McCandless find interesting about Thoreau’s discussion of food. (You might want to google research sections of Walden).
Do some research on fasting. What are the consequences of long-term fasting?
2/28 / 3/1 / Epilogue
The traditional definition of an epilogue is that it is a concluding part of a literary work. Is Into the Wild a “literary work”? Why or why not?
Is the last paragraph of the book an effective ending to the book? Why or why not?