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Comparing The Works Of Chris Mccandless And Adam Shepard

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Throughout one’s lifetime, it is not common that a journey one has pursued becomes a nationwide phenomenon; although, for two men, that was exactly the case. Chris McCandless and Adam Shepard both embarked new, difficult, although different journeys. McCandless embarked on a journey in search of self reliance whilst Shepard left everything to prove that the American Dream is in fact alive and well. These adventurers set out on divergent journeys, but both had a strong impact on society and those they encountered along the way. Although both of these men were hardworking and successful in what they did, it is evident that Shepard’s selfless journey to motivate people to pursue the American Dream had a greater purpose. Throughout his journey, Adam Shepard had a realistic goal in mind with well thought-out plans he knew he needed to execute in order to achieve his goal. Through hard work and dedication, Shepard was able to achieve his goal in half the time he originally planned for. In his memoir Scratch Beginnings, Adam Shepard states “... I have to possess an operable automobile, live in a furnished apartment, have $2,500 in cash…” (xiv). In just …show more content…

Although McCandless’s objective was successful for a while, his lack of preparation and his condescension led him to pay the ultimate price. Shepard, on the other hand, was able to successfully carry out his plan through critical thinking and great self-control. Shepard knew what he had to do and how to do it in order to build something for himself, no matter how low he had begun. In the end, Shepard was able to carry out his plan while McCandless’s over-confidence led him to

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