New Theory on the Death of Chris McCandless

I read the book first then saw the movie, and I feel like I totally *get* this kid. And I think that's what essentially did him in -- not that he was selfish or stupid, but that he was a kid. A headstrong, passionate yet short-sighted KID who followed his heart and left common sense behind. A kid who was neither a martyr nor a dumbass.

This is a very interesting discovery. And the information about the concentration camps is not out of character or surprising behavior for those monsters, but still horrifying.

I don't get how people can be so angry with McCandless, or to the contrary, proud of him for rejecting society. I read the book before a movie was on the horizon, and he seemed very Holden Caulfield to me. He made his choices, but probably didn't think those choices would kill him.

You want something to be angry about, read Night by Elie Wiesel, speaking of WWII.

Appropriately said - It seems most of those harsh comments are coming from people who have not read the book - which is bothersome because how can people be so judgmental without knowing the complete story? That is human nature as well as society's way - ironic? Precisely what McCandless was so disgruntled with!

Agreed that some have "canonized" him - what makes his life so meaningful is that he did do what he felt he needed to do. His parents raised him within their blanket of lies - he was pissed because his dad abandoned Chris and Carine's half brothers/sisters and allowed them to live in poverty, WHICH is why Chris so resented his "privileged" life - This makes sense to me and I do not feel sorry for his parents. Perhaps had he lived, McCandless would feel differently now, but his sister Carine still does not speak with their parents as she has publically said that she resents the money they have made from Chris' death (a book and documentary)- supposedly the money they made went to a fund that helped single parent families...Oh the irony here because of Walt's previous denunciation of his first family!

Other responses have mentioned that we all do dumbass things, especially when we are in our twenties - myself included as I moved out to Montana from Wisconsin for "love" - at the same time McCandless traveled the U.S. Had he lived, we would be the exact same age. At some point, we all try to find ourselves and the meaning that we feel indebted to find and prove. His life was lived purposely and simply - he chose to live that lifestyle - Clearly, money was not his motivation. What mattered to him? Truth, living honestly, and being appreciative of all life!

If this sounds as if I am attributing heroic qualities to McCandless, perhaps, but as a high school teacher, I see this happen whenever we lose a student to some tragic accident. Regardless of fault, we have to somehow make sense of senseless death - placing blame may make some feel better, but really, it just cannot be changed.

With that, my trip out to the bus is truly something that I feel I must do for myself - maybe if just to solidify the fact that McCandless' life still means something and will continue to.

supernaut1125 wrote:

I have respect for the guy because of what he did and said a big "Fuck you!" to this miserable society. I don't think he is a hero for his death. I also grew up reading the original articles and the book, way before the movie or soundtrack. You guys are open to your own opinions but to me you are taking it too far with some of your harsh words about the deceased.