The man and his journey
Who is Christopher McCandless? What was the alias he used?
He is an American adventurer also known as "Alexander Supertramp"
True or False:
McCandless chose death over returning to his city.
False
What was the bus called? (its nickname)
Magic Bus
Which contradiction in McCandless’s story most challenges transcendentalist ideology?
A. He sought freedom but depended on nature’s mercy
B. He valued society but lived alone
C. He trusted technology
D. He rejected intuition
A. He sought freedom but depended on nature’s mercy
What major theme is shown in McCandless’s story?
Man vs. nature
What did Christopher feed on in the wilderness?
Christopher foraged berries, hunted local wildlife, and at one stage even shot a moose.
Where did McCandless go after writing his SOS message?
He went to collect berries.
Why was the "Magic Bus" eventually removed from the Stampede Trail?
The bus became a popular but dangerous tourist attraction, leading to numerous rescues of under-prepared visitors. In 2010 and 2019, visitors actually drowned while attempting to cross the Teklanika River to reach the site
How does McCandless’s experience in Alaska complicate transcendentalist ideals?
A. It proves society is unnecessary
B. It shows intuition alone may be insufficient without practical knowledge
C. It confirms nature is always nurturing
D. It rejects the value of self-reliance
B. It shows intuition alone may be insufficient without practical knowledge
What lesson does the documentary mainly teach?
Freedom requires responsibility and preparation.
What obstacles did McCandless face during his attempt to live off the land in Alaska?
Survival proved difficult as McCandless was severely under-prepared and lacked proper equipment,
Hunger!! which led to weakness in his body
How were Christopher McCandless’s remains discovered?
On 6 September 1992, a group of hunters on the Stampede Trail entered the abandoned city transit bus and were repelled by a terrible smell
How many tourists died trying to cross the river?
2
Which of the following best explains why transcendentalists rejected organized religion?
A. They opposed spirituality
B. They believed truth could only be found in science
C. They felt institutions interfered with personal spiritual experience
D. They believed religion was outdated
C. They felt institutions interfered with personal spiritual experience
What does McCandless’s story warn us about?
The dangers of nature without preparation
Other than the river, what other opportunity did McCandless have that could have allowed him to survive?
Tragically, because he lacked maps of the area, he was unaware that a cable crossing was located just 800 metres (half a mile) away, which would have allowed him to cross safely
What was the final message left by McCandless before his death?
McCandless posted a desperate SOS note on the bus door, stating he was "injured, near death and too weak to hike out
Why has McCandless’s story been a subject of criticism from Alaskan natives
Many critics, including locals who live near the trail, view McCandless as foolish and naive. They argue that his lack of preparation and knowledge of the Alaskan bush made his vision for his life unrealistic, regardless of how "inspiring" others may find his desire for freedom
Why is isolation considered essential—but dangerous—in transcendentalist thought?
A. It removes all risks
B. It guarantees enlightenment
C. It encourages self-reflection but may ignore human limitations
D. It strengthens dependence on others
C. It encourages self-reflection but may ignore human limitations
What could Christopher McCandless have done to make his journey more successful?
Prepared better with maps, food, and survival knowledge
Why was McCandless unable to escape the wilderness when he attempted to return to civilization?
His path was blocked by the Teklanika River, which had become a "swollen" torrent that was impossible to wade across, unlike when he first arrived
How many days did he survive?
100 days
What is the name of the museum the bus was transferred to?
Museum of the North at the University of Alaska
Which conclusion best reflects a mature understanding of transcendentalism after McCandless’s story?
A. Transcendentalism is unrealistic and dangerous
B. Transcendentalism succeeds only when society is rejected
C. Transcendentalist ideals require balance between intuition and preparation
D. Transcendentalism supports complete isolation
C. Transcendentalist ideals require balance between intuition and preparation
Which decision might have changed the outcome of McCandless’s story?
Learning survival skills and accepting assistance