Unit7-Part3-Reading

Into the Wild.

In April 1992, a young man from a rich family hitchhiked to Alaska and walked alone into the

wilderness north of Mount McKinley.

His name was Christopher Johnson McCandless.

He gave all his money to charity, abandoned his car and most of his possessions, and burned

all the cash in his wallet.

He decided to lead a new life away from civilization and his parents with whom he was angry.

He gave himself a new name, Alexander Supertramp.

He was going to live in nature all alone.

He had a handful of books about survival and edible wild plants.

He left behind his worried parents and sister and he vanished into the wild.

John Krakauer's novel, Into the Wild, is based on the true story of this man.

Sean Penn's impressive film adaptation of this book stays true to the story and portrays

Christopher as an idealistic dreamer.

Despite having good grades and a bright future in law school, he longs for a totally different

life.

In the book, Krakauer tells the stories of the people with whom Christopher meets on his

journey.

These people take in Christopher, feed him, give him clothes, offer him advice and worry

as they see him off.

This is a serious film for those who contemplate life, civilization, nature, family relationships

and the act of forgiving.