I think that Krakauer included chapters 8 and 9 because all of those people had very similar ideals and thoughts. All of those men truly enjoyed the beauty of nature and liked the thrill of being outside. They enjoyed being by themselves so that they could connect with nature and not be distracted by modern human problems. Adventure and risk were very important aspects in their lives. I think Krakauer was trying to show that McCandless was not the only person who thought this way. Because of their similar ways of thinking and acting these men are considered outcasts from society. They do not fit in and because of not fitting in they are judged by the rest of society.
Names were of little importance to them. These men thought that names were not important and did not tell anything about a person. Some of the men like Chris and Everett changed their names in order to show that they were a new person and that the people they were when they were younger were gone. They picked a name that they liked and one that they thought suited them. Chris and Everett would be reminded of their old lives if they kept their old names. Chris was reminded of his family, his school years, and his years living in one spot. Chris and Everett just wanted to forget their old selves and create a new self that takes joy in the wonder of the world.
I agree. I think that it was important for Krakauer to raise our awareness that, although Chris' actions seemed a bit off the mark from conventional living/thinking, there are others who found a similar connection with the natural world. Good reflection and thoughts.
ReplyDelete