Transcript Into the Wild

 What are the qualities of a hero? Define the term.
 What historical figures do you consider to be heroes?
Why?
 What contemporary or local figures do you consider to
be heroes? Why?
 As you read, consider Chris as a hero. Is he? Why or
why not?
 What is courage? Define the term.
 What do courageous people have in common?
 What historical figures are considered to be
courageous?
 What is the difference between being courageous and
being reckless?
 As you read, consider this question: Is Chris
courageous or just plain reckless? Why?
 Think about your experience hiking, backpacking,
and/or existing in the wild. What have you experienced?
What are the benefits of any one of these activities?
Think about some alternative plans you might have
before beginning college but immediately after high
school. What might you do? Why would you do it, and
how long do you see yourself in this activity?
 Take a look at the number of chapters in the text.
 Read a few chapter titles.
 Read a few of the short epigraphs that come before a
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chapter begins (an epigraph is a relevant quotation at the
beginning of a book or a chapter, etc.).
Look at the length of the book.
Look at any maps and photographs.
Identify the author and publication date.
What other works has Krakauer written? Do you know
of them? Read them?
 What might have McCandless’s motives have been for his
behavior (para. 3)?
 How difficult would it be to invent a new life?
 In paragraph 4, Krakauer introduces the themes of the book.
Discuss these with a partner & mark them in your book.
 In paragraph 5, Krakauer warns us that he will not be an
impartial biographer. What does this mean? Are all
biographers impartial? What might we then expect from
him?
 In the last paragraph, Krakauer introduces the
complexity of Chris McCandless. Note the four
questions that you should keep in mind as you
read the text:
• Should we admire McCandless for his
courage and noble ideas?
• Was he just reckless?
• Was he “crazy”?
• Was he an arrogant and reckless narcissist?
 “My convictions should be apparent soon enough, but
I will leave it to the reader to form his or her own
opinion of Chris McCandless.”
 What is Krakauer’s opinion of McCandless?
 How does he make his argument to the reader?
 Pay attention to craft- how he tells the story.
 Transcendent p. 1 para 3
 Convoluted p. 2 top
 Idealism p. 2 para 2
 Peril p. 2 para 2
 Adversity p. 2 para 2
 Transcendent: adjective
1. going beyond ordinary limits; surpassing; exceeding.
2. superior or supreme.
Chris wanted his experience to be “beyond ordinary
limits” and “superior” to other experiences.
 Convoluted
1. twisted; coiled.
2. complicated; intricately involved
Chris’ journey was complicated and physically twisted
around the country.
 Idealism
1. the cherishing or pursuit of high or noble principles,
purposes, goals, etc.
Chris lived his life according to high principles,
purposes, and goals.
 Peril
1. exposure to injury, loss, or destruction; grave risk;
jeopardy; danger
2. something that causes or may cause injury, loss, or
destruction.
Chris wanted his experience to be risky and dangerous.
 Adversity
Adverse fortune or fate; a condition marked by
misfortune, calamity, or distress
2. an adverse or unfortunate event or circumstance
1.
Chris wanted his adventures to be difficult and
challenging.