Christopher McCandless was an avid reader in college and based much of his philosophical beliefs on what he read. Please research which two authors have the most profound effect on him and discuss the similarities and differences between their lives and works.

Utilizing both the novel and various other supports, research the grip the wilderness has on the American imagination. “Alaska has long been a magnet for dreamers and misfits, people who think the unsullied enormity of the last frontier will patch all of the holes in their lives” (4). What are the holes people are trying to fill? Why do we believe the frontier will save us? What appeal does the “wild” still have on modern American society?

Research and discuss the allure that high-risk activities hold for young men of a certain mindset. Research outstanding examples of popular risky social behaviors, thrill sports and other self-destructive trends among youth in America.

Christopher McCandless has a complicated relationship with his father. Many of McCandless’ personal decisions are directly or indirectly affected by this relationship and he even appears to have found a replacement “father figure” for himself in the form of Westerberg (as described in Chapter 3 of the novel). Research and discuss the highly charged bond that often exists between fathers and sons.

Please research the origins of the purpose behind the “Burning Man” spectacle and its continued popularity with non-conformists.

From the Author’s Note onward, Christopher McCandless is depicted as a privileged youth with many good qualities but at least one major character flaw: hubris. McCandless, in fact, fits the role of the archetypical Tragic Hero and his story is told in a way that echoes the plot structure of the Aristotelian model for ancient Greek Tragedy.
Research and discuss the literary genre of ancient Greek Tragedy and comment on the appeal that this genre continues to have on the modern audience.

The wilderness offers no shortage of ways to die.
Even as McCandless is on his way to the Alaskan wilderness, Jim Gallien, the union electrician who give him a ride at the beginning of the novel, warns the young man against the perils of the wild: bear attacks, starvation and harsh weather condition.
Research wilderness survival strategies and/or hunting and smoking techniques that would serve to protect a person living “off the land” in the wild.
“To the desert go prophets and hermits; through deserts go pilgrims and exiles. Here the leaders of the great religions have sought therapeutic and spiritual values of retreat, not to escape but to find reality.” - Paul Shepard

Research and discuss the connection between the spiritual and philosophical journey one can take when embarking on a physical journey. Report on examples of spiritual and philosophical leaders who have embarked on such a journey.

This tragic story was told by Jon Krakauer in the January 1993 issue of Outside and later in his bestselling 1997 book, Into the Wild. The book, and a 2007 film directed by Sean Penn, helped elevate the McCandless saga to the status of modern myth. And that, in turn, has given rise to a unique and curious phenomenon in Alaska: McCandless pilgrims, inspired by his story, who are determined to see the bus for themselves…Unfortunately, a lot of these people get into trouble, and almost always because of the Teklanika. In a recent story, writer Eva Holland reported that, in the summer of 2013 alone, a dozen people had been “lost, hurt or stranded by the rising river” on the Stampede Trail and had required rescue.” Diana Saverin – Outside Magazine

Explain how iconic cultural figures like Christopher McCandless can captivate the interest of an entire generation and sometimes even create a cult following. Give examples. What are some of the potential dangers of such a phenomenon?

Christopher McCandless’ rejection of materialism and the values of mainstream society is clear from the first few chapters of the book. Compare and contrast Materialism and Asceticism. Report on the history and development of these two conflicting philosophical approaches to life.

Isolationism is a theme in “Into the Wild”. Please research and discuss the tendency for certain types of young men to seek isolation from other humans as a panacea for their continued anxiety. You must choose examples from real life.