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One of the main contributing factors to Chris’ odyssey into the wilderness, was the work of authors such as Jack London and Henry David Thoreau who wrote extensively about one’s connection with nature and valuing the simplicity in life. Chris became “enthralled by these tales, however, […] he seemed to forget they were works of fiction”(44). Jack London, the author he admired the most, “spent a single winter in the North” and died by his own hand in California (44). Though Chris read the works of many authors, he is also aware that these virtually perfect writers did not embody behavior that Chris would deem acceptable. Nevertheless, he continues to imitate their action. Leo Tolstoy, a novelist who wrote about the benefits of living penniless, also one of Chris’ role models, “had been an enthusiastic sexual adventurer” “despite his famous advocacy of celibacy”(122). Chris was able to look past Tolstoy’s flaws but, was “incapable of extending such lenity to his father”(122) after learning that he was unfaithful to Chris’ mother. Chris was overly excited to travel to Alaska, so much that he failed to prepare for the harshness of the Alaskan environment. His biggest mistake was refusing to pack a map, which most native Alaskans believe is the most essential item needed in the wilderness. Although Chris made multiple trips to an Alaskan university, to research vegetation in Alaska, his experience level was significantly lower than that of an Alaskan expeditor. Chris dies from the ingestion of poisonous potato seeds but, as he was nearing death he inscrolls his last written words “ happiness only real when shared”(189) in the novel Doctor Zhivago. These five words are evidence of Chris beginning to see the folly in his ways as he questions the benefit of the solitude that he so desperately sought out.
