Reading journal - Essay Example

Reading journal Part words Tenacious Trail Domain Flush Apologia Part 2-Summary of chapters In chapter 7, McCandless is seen at the Westerberg elevator in Carthage. He actually works at the grain elevator. He swears to cut all the ties with his parents (Krakauer 44-50). In chapter 8 other examples of persons that travelled to Alaska and provided. The chapter also questions why they opted to stay in such a place (Krakauer 44-50). Chapter 9 focuses on Davis Gulch. In the chapter, Reuss and McCandless are linked and both seem to be seeking solitude (Krakauer 50-60). In chapter 10, a dead man is found in Alaska. It is presumed that this person died of starvation (Krakauer 61-80). The story is covered in the dailies, it is assumed that the dead person seemingly died of starvation (Krakauer 61-71). Chapter 11 is set at the Chesapeake Beach where Walt McCandless is interviewed at home after the recovery of his son’s body at an abandoned bus. McCandless seemingly so much pain to his parent. The bond between mother-father and child was completely broken. It is in this chapter that one questions whether McCandless parent were actually responsible for the son’s death (Krakauer 72-81). In chapter 12, the character of McCandless is questioned. It is questioned whether his personality was shaped in the course of his youth. McCandless was said to take a trip to summer prior to joining college. It is at this point that he promises to have constant communication with his parents, but later on he stopped communicating completely. Upon his return home, McCandless had changed completely. He had lost a lot of weight and his hair was unkempt. We later learn that he had lost his way in Mojave Desert and almost died due to the harsh conditions in the desert (Krakauer 82-87). McCandless is advised by his parents, but does not heed to the advice.
Part 3: Analysis
The underlying assumptions/meanings the author intends for me to learn relate to the individual changes and the factors that may cause the changes. For the case of McCandless, one would argue that he felt superior in one way or another even to the point of leaving for Alaska. He may seem unique in his way of doing things, but he, at times, lacked common sense explaining why he faced the toughness of the nature despite him being sane as opposed to Waterman. This explains why he caused so much pain especially to his parents that had high hopes on him.
Part 4: Response
From the work, I am of the opinion that the author aims at explaining the changes that individuals go through in their day to day lives. I agree with the author’s premise that one can determine or shape their future. The reading makes me feel both pity and anger towards McCandless. One would argue that McCandless had the knowledge and wits to deal with life challenges. At times, I tend to think that McCandless was more of a sociopath than an untouchable based from the decisions he makes in life.
Work Cited
Krakauer, Jon. Into the Wild. Devon: Pan Macmillan, 2011. Print. Read More