Reading journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 9

Reading journal - Essay Example In chapter 15 on The Stikine Ice Cap, the author concludes that McCandless death was a result of an accident more so borrowing from his journals. As a youth, we learn that McCandless was fond of mountain climbing and this explains why at 23 he sought to climb the Devils Thumb on the Stikine Ice Cap in Alaska where he dies (Krakauer 92-100). In chapter 16, Chris McCandless visits Liard River Hot Springs in Yukon Territory. He spends two days at the river. Later he becomes friends with Gaylord Stuckey who later gives him a ride after being stuck for a while. Stuckey purchases a rice bag for McCandless then gives him a ride to University of Alaska (Krakauer 108-116). Stuckey advices McCandless that he is too young to move to the snow but he ignores the advice. In the 17th chapter on The Stampede Trail, the story of the Teklanika River is revisited and why McCandless opted not to cross the river. The map that explains the downstream where McCandless wanted to cross is revealed (Krakauer 118-127). It is arguable that McCandless would have attempted using a different route rather than staying in the bus and starving to death. In the last chapter, McCandless is seen to return to the bus, continues hunting and gathering but the amount of energy he uses is more than what he consumes. From these chapters, one questions the concept of happiness in an individual’s life. Is the same related to the struggles of life and attaining the set goals? How far can one link the importance of family to an individual’s happiness? McCandless does not acknowledge his family members and sees no contribution of his family to his life. In a way or another, I am of the opinion that McCandless operated on some form of ignorance. I believe that McCandless died of starvation as a result of arrogance. If he applied some level of wisdom, he would have saved his life and even maintained relations with his family. It is as a result of his pride that his parents and