Christopher McCandless was born in California to Walter and Billie, and had one younger sister, Carine. Christopher discovered that his father had children from a previous marriage which lead to him holding bitterness towards his father. Christopher began to feel as though his childhood was a lie and this could have played a role in his views of society. Throughout Christopher’s education he has experienced a few adventures. During his adventures he isolates himself from family and friends.
At his Emory University graduation, Christopher seemed happy but implied to his parents that he will be traveling for the summer. As stated from Into the Wild, “McCandless went into the wilderness not primarily to ponder nature or the world at large but, rather, to explore the inner country of his own soul.”(Krakauer 183) Christopher needed to find himself after being lied to his whole upbringing. Traveling was his escape from the corrupt humanity that he felt surrounded him.
Before Christopher leaves the comforts of his home he abandons the car his parents got him. As well as giving all his savings to Oxfam and even changed his name to Alexander Supertramp. “No longer would he answer as Chris McCandless; he was now Alexander Supertramp, master of his own destiny.” (Krakauer 23) This quote made it easy to believe that the name change was to make it easier to live his life the way he wanted, up to him. After getting rid of his material possessions he starts his adventure, hitchhiking to Alaska.
Christopher’s final destination was in Fairbanks Alaska. Four months into Chris’s journey his body was discovered in a bus on the stampede trail. Chris died of starvation. Christopher’s resentment towards his father and his money made him want to renew his life. He died doing what he wanted which is much more than many people can say.
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