Chris McCandless's Legacy

Topic: Inspiration or Fool?

"McCandless's apparent salvation, in other words, seemed to be only a three-hour walk upriver. This sad irony was widely noted after the aftermath of his death." (Krakauer 196)

McCandless was only three hours away from his rescue. Most people's reactions after hearing the story would think that Chris was an idiot. He went into the wilderness alone with little supplies, and tools to help him navigate so no wonder he died in the wilderness. However looking back on his entire life, the choices he made, and the people he met we could learn a lesson from him. If anything it might have been a good thing that Chris had died. Chris's death has taught people hat you should live your life to the fullest because you never know know how short its is going to be. Would you rather live a short and eventful life or a live a long life and do the things you wanted towards the end?

Family First

"The hardest part, is simply not having him around anymore. I spent a lot of time with Chris, perhaps more than any of my other kids. I really liked his company even though he frustrated us so often." (Krakuer 104)

Topic: The Dynamics of Family

Chris' death didn't just have an effect on the people he met but his family well. His death effected his Father the most. Chris was the closest person to his Father and they are very similar as well. They don't like to conform to society's exceptions, they're ambitious, intelligent, and they don't let someone else tell them how to live their lives. Even through the frustrating behaviors and months of little communication his family still loved him dearly. Family will always stay by your side no matter what choices you make.

Chaste or Charming?

"Chastity is the flowering of man; and what are called Genius, heroism, Holiness, and the like, are but various fruits which succeed it" (Krakauer 66)


Topic: Inspiration or Fool?

In our society men are expect to have active sex lives by eighteen and seeing such a rare case like McCandless is bizarre to us. America is highly focused on sex yet we also try not to acknowledge the topic. To McCandless romantic relationships were very serious to him and he had only been in one serious relationship his whole life. To anyone who has not seen Carine McCandless TED talk might assume that Chris was just some awkward kid who was just living someday dream and refused to grow up. However, knowing Chris's childhood and the environment he grew up in he has every reason to act this way. His father had slept with another woman while he was married and left six other children behind as well. Chris' relationship with his parents was built on lies making it hard to tell what was true and what wasn't. Chris' life can teach us about being patient and waiting for the right person to com into your life no matter what society tells you is important. It shouldn't be seen as unusual for a twenty-four year old man to be single and a virgin.