Chapter Analysis Of Into The Wild By Jon Krakauer

Great Essays
2. Interpretation
2.1. In-Text
The first chapter introduces us to Jim Gallien, a union electrician, is on his way to Anchorage when he stops for a hitchhiker. The hitchhiker introduces himself as Alex from South Dakota, although his real name is Christopher Johnson McCandless and he is from Virginia. Alex tells Gallien that he “wanted a ride as far as the edge of Denali National Park, where he intended to walk deep into the bush and “live off the land for a few months”” (Krakauer 4). Gallien admits that he believed Alex would be another “of those crackpots from the lower forty-eight who come north to live out ill-considered Jack London fantasies” (Krakauer 4), but he soon realized that Alex knew exactly what he was letting himself in for. Moreover, Gallien describes Alex as thoughtful and smart, and even
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From the beginning of this story, it is hard to stay objective and emotionless. Krakauer starts Alex story with his last encounter of another human being before he enters the wilderness of Alaska. He interviewed Jim Gallien, a union electrician, about his experience that he made when he picked up Alex on the street. On April 1992, Gallien was on his way to Anchorage when he met Alex who explained that he wanted to go to the Stampede Trail. Gallien describes Alex’ unusual appearance, his gear that did not seem to be well enough equipped for an excursion like the one he planned, and his unwillingness to accept any help from Gallien. He tried to talk him out of his plans, mentioned that the hunting would not be easy and that bears could threaten him. However, Alex was not worried and claimed that he would not run into anything he could not deal with on his own (Krakauer 6). Gallien convinced Alex to take at least his snow boots and a prepared lunch, and then on April 28, 1992, Alex leaves the civilization and walks into the

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