Name ___________________________ Period ____ Group # ____ Question #s: _________ DUE DATE: _______
Into the Wild Discussion Questions
Directions: 1) Type the answers to questions for the group you have been assigned. Submit your assignment on Schoology AND
TurnItIn. Bring a printed copy of the answers to class or have it accessible on your phone/laptop/Chromebook. For each question,
review the chapter; then, answer each question in a cohesive paragraph by making a clear claim (TS: Topic Sentence), by including at
least one contextual evidence (CD: Concrete Details) with a specific quote (preferably) or paraphrase (include page #) to support your
claim, and by providing clear analysis of the evidence (CM: Commentary). Each answer should be a short paragraph, 4 to 7 sentences
long. 2) In addition to your assigned group questions, gather some notes and evidence for the Additional Group Questions; type your
notes in bullet point under A. and B. in the same file you typed the answers to your assigned group number questions.
Group 1:
1. The author’s note (and the cover, for that matter) tells the reader from the very beginning the circumstances of McCandless’s death.
What literary purpose does this organization—beginning at the end—serve?
2. Chapter one describes Jim Gallien, who picked up a hitchhiker named Alex, in April 1992. What is Gallien’s importance to the
narrative?
3. Details provided in chapter three suggest what about Chris McCandless?
4. Chris's parents mistakenly believed Chris would use his trust fund money to attend law school. What can the reader conclude
about Chris’s parents?
5. What do Chris’s letters to his sister Carine mostly reveal?
Group 2:
6. Describe Jan Burres’ view of Alex.
7. Who is Wayne Westerberg? What is his role in the novel?
8. Many of Chris McCandless’s journal entries during his two years on the road were written in third person: “He lived on the street
with bums, tramps, and winos.” What can the reader conclude from this narrative technique?
9. What is the main purpose of the epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter?
10. Why did Chris McCandless admire writers like Jack London and Leo Tolstoy?
Group 3:
11. What is the purpose of Chris’ letter to Ronald Franz, the old man who had befriended him and wanted to become his grandfather?
12. In general, what was the opinion of most Alaskans to the Chris McCandless story?
13. Why does Krakauer include his own story in this book?
14. Overall, what is Krakauer’s attitude toward McCandless?
15. What is the most likely reason Chris rejected Ronald Franz's request to adopt him?
Group 4:
16. In his letter to Ronald Franz, Chris McCandless writes, “You are wrong if you think Joy emanates only or principally from human
relationships.” Later, he seems to have changed his mind about this idea. Provide evidence (a specific quote) which shows this and
explain the reason he does so.
17. What previous experiences led Chris to falsely believe he would be fine in Alaska?
18. In chapter six, why does Ronald Franz contact Outside magazine in January 1993?
19. In chapter seven, why does Krakauer suggest that Chris most likely had no romantic relationships?
20. What is Jon Krakauer’s purpose for including stories of other men who attempted to survive in Alaska?
Group 5:
21. What is the main idea of chapter nine, which describes Everett Ruess?
22. What seems to lead to McCandless's total separation from his parents?
23. On weekends, when his high school pals were dating and attending parties, what would McCandless more likely do?
24. Chris made an effort to isolate himself from civilization, yet he was only six miles from cabins that happened to be occupied
during the summer months. What did Chris do to ensure his isolation?
25. What happened when McCandless attempted to return to civilization?
Group 6:
26. Why did Chris feel such guilt over killing the moose?
27. Chris’s journals suggest his changing attitude about food. What was this attitude change?
28. When Chris’s body was discovered, hikers first noticed a note attached to the bus. What was so significant about this note?
29. What does Krakauer believe Chris’s death was mainly a result of?
30. What was Chris’s main purpose for leaving civilization to live in the wilds of Alaska?
Into the Wild: Additional Group Questions for Discussion
Directions: Gather evidence and analysis in bullet points to be used in group discussion.
A. Some view the postcards Chris sent to his friends as evidence that he was suicidal. Make a case that Chris was not
suicidal, using at least three specific pieces of evidence or details, as well as explanation of these details, to prove that
McCandless intended to return from his journey into the wild.
B. In chapters 14 and 15, Krakauer recalls his own reckless youth. How does his perspective as an older adult give
insight into McCandless, who died young? Identify at least two specific revelations Krakauer makes that came to him
because he survived his experience and grew older.
