Christopher Mccandless Character Analysis

The trek Christopher McCandless took baffled many, and it was hard to fathom why such a promising young man would embark on such an audacious and dangerous journey; however, Krakauer’s novelization of that undertaking pulls the reader through not just McCandless’ journey but his philosophy and thoughts as well. Without the in-depth examination of McCandless as a person, it is easy for many to write him off as reckless and his death being a waste, but Krakauer paints McCandless’ expedition as one that fulfilled him and provided something he lacked. Although one expects that Krakauer’s portrayal will not be objective, as he admits it himself, but what is surprising is that the reader finds themselves understanding McCandless as Krakauer does.

Not only did McCandless come from a well-off family, but they were educated too; Chris was no exception of course: “[Chris] had distinguished himself as a history and anthropology major with a 3.72 grade-point average” (16). Just given this information, one could readily question why McCandless would give that all up on some dangerous adventure, but Krakauer includes some important information about Chris. He points out that Chris found that “titles and honors are irrelevant” (16). Although brief, this is a large hint of McCandless’ frustration with society. McCandless also wasn’t motivated by such distinications and lacked, seemingly, a true purpose in his life. A few pages later, Krakauer explains his departure in more detail: “He had spent the previous four years .. preparing to fulfill an absurd and onerous duty: to graduate from college. At long last he was … emancipated from the stifling … world in which he felt grievously cut off from the raw throb of existence” (18). Krakauer explicitly makes it clear here that McCandless saw no purpose in his old life and that everything was old of simple “duty”. It didn’t motivate him, and he was finally free from that