Motifs
The motif regarding a philosophical movement developed in the 1820s. Chris is one of these and therefore distrusts authority and hates material living.
What is Transcendentalism?
The main focus of the story. Went up to Alaska and tragically died. His motivation was to escape the pressures of everyday life.
Who is Chris McCandless?
Climbed by Jon Krakauer. It's what Satan uses to hitchhike.
What is Devil's Thumb?
This plant was initially thought to have been the cause of Chris's death due to it being easily mistaken for Wild Eskimo potato.
What is wild sweet pea?
The absolutely adorable name of Carine McCandless's dog who was very fond of Chris.
Who is Buckley or Buck?
Chris actively making the choice of what to do everyday is an example of this motif. "Don't be such a sheep!"
What is Deliberate Living?
A pirate of cable signals and good friend of the protagonist. He offers a job to our main character and wants to help him.
Who is Wayne Westerberg?
The Arizona town where Chris resided briefly and flipped burgers for McDonald's.
What is Bullhead City?
The name of the hunger conquering charity that Chris donated his savings to.
What is Oxfam?
The number of pounds of rice Chris brought with him on his trip.
What is 10 pounds?
Donating money to charity and providing meals to homeless people are two ways Chris exemplifies this particular motif.
What is Social Conscience?
Wrote the book on Chris McCandless and had some adventures on Devil's Thumb himself. Pairs perfectly with cheese and summer sausage.
Who is Jon Krakauer?
The infamous number of the broken down bus where Chris tragically perished in the wilds of Alaska.
What is 142?
Chris abandons this car after a flash flood, but he returns for the plates.
What is a 1982 Datsun?
The Boris Pasternak novel that Chris read while in Alaska.
What is Doctor Zhivago?
Chris going out into the wild with little preparation assuming he could survive with just his wits could relate to this motif. "Not even god can strike me down!"
What is hubris?
A feisty lady who sells books out of her trailer with her boyfriend Bob.
Who is Jan Burres?
Where Chris McCandless spent his time growing up. Located in Fairfax County, Virginia its downtown area is known as Koreatown.
What is Annandale?
When at Alaska University, Chris acquires this book that eventually becomes his journal.
What is Tanaina Plantlore?
Who is Henry David Thoreau?
Being in awe of nature and appreciative of the world around you and what you are provided is a big part of this motif. Think of a Kendrick Lamar lyric.
What is Requisite Humility?
Wished to adopt Chris as his grandson. He went to live out in the desert once Chris convinced him.
Who is Ron Franz?
Chris held a job working at a grain elevator in this South Dakota town that gets its name from an ancient Tunisian civilization.
What is Carthage?
Chris lived this long during his Alaska campout?
What is 114 days?
The instrument Chris played in high school before his sister's talent overshadowed his own.
What is the French horn?