Into the Wild #3

      Into the Wild is so interesting to me, mainly because the author switches between time periods throughout the book. In chapter eight, the author says that many people thought McCandless's death was foolish. Of course, it wasn't very smart of him to venture into danger-filled Alaska with hardly enough supplies but, I admire him for his determination, his passion for pursuing the life he longs, and the courage he had to go to Alaska, alone on top of that. I don't really like how the author started talking about other people who went to dangerous places and died, such as John Waterman and Everett Ruess. I think the story should be focused on Chris's life.
      Anyway, the author brought up a man, Gene Rosellini, who designed an anthropological experiment to see if  it's possible to live independent of technology. His hypothesis was that "man could become a Stone Age native." He learned that it's not possible, though. I thought that this was kind of ironic when you compare his mentality to McCandless's; they're complete opposites. John Waterman, a man who died on his journey, reminded me of Chris because they both were courageous and did what they wanted. Carl McCunn also reminds me of him; they were both fascinated with the harsh side of nature. The author then talks about  Everett Ruess, a 20 year-old who walked into the desert and never came out. After he got his diploma, he was out on the road, like McCandless. Ruess's letters are so similar to Chris's. They both talk about how they can't stand life how we live it and they go on and on and on about the beauty and freedom of nature. They feel the same way about life: it should be lived to the fullest, in beautiful nature where there are no rules or laws. McCunn, McCandless and Ruess really have a lot in common. Both Chris and Everett gave themselves new names: "Alexander Supertramp" and "Lan Rameau"(which changed to Evert Rulan and then back to his real name), suggesting that they wanted to start new lives. And lastly, they can both be compared to the Papar, people from Ireland who moved to the island of Papos in the 5th and 6th centuries A.D. They were courageous people who risked their lives for better lives. Until next time!