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Essay / Christopher McCandless: The Unprepared Adventurer
IntroductionChristopher McCandless, an enigmatic character who ventured into the Alaskan wilderness, has been the subject of much debate and analysis. His story, popularized by Jon Krakauer in the book "Into the Wild," serves as a warning against the dangers of poor preparation. McCandless, who adopted the pseudonym Alexander Supertramp, sought to escape the trappings of modern society and live a life of simplicity and self-reliance. However, his lack of preparation and understanding of the harsh realities of the wilderness ultimately led to his demise. This essay aims to explore different facets of McCandless's lack of preparation, focusing on his lack of practical knowledge, the insufficient supplies he carried, and his inability to understand the severity of the Alaskan environment. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Body Paragraph One of the most glaring aspects of McCandless's unpreparedness was his lack of practical knowledge about survival in the wilderness. Despite his intelligence and training, McCandless did not possess the skills or experience necessary to thrive in such an unforgiving environment. His journey was marked by a series of miscalculations and oversights, exacerbated by his romanticized view of nature. For example, McCandless carried a minimal amount of food and relied heavily on his ability to hunt and forage. However, he lacked the skills to do this effectively, leading to severe malnutrition. Additionally, his understanding of local flora and fauna was rudimentary at best, leading him to accidentally consume poisonous plants. This lack of knowledge highlights the importance of adequate preparation and education when undertaking such a formidable undertaking. Another critical aspect of McCandless's lack of preparation was the lack of supplies he carried with him. McCandless's minimalist approach to his journey was both a philosophical choice and a practical error. He believed that by ridding himself of the excesses of modern life, he could achieve a purer, more authentic existence. However, this ideology blinded him to the practical necessities of survival. McCandless's equipment was woefully inadequate for the harsh conditions he faced. He carried a light sleeping bag, insufficient clothing and a meager amount of food. Additionally, it lacked essential tools such as a detailed map, a reliable compass, and a means of communication. These omissions proved fatal, as they left him vulnerable to the elements and unable to navigate or call for help. McCandless' story is a stark reminder of the importance of being well equipped when venturing into the wilderness. Additionally, McCandless's inability to understand the severity of Alaska's environment was a significant factor in his demise. The Alaskan wilderness is known for its extreme weather and unpredictable terrain. McCandless, however, underestimated the challenges he would face. His journey began in the spring and he did not anticipate the rapid onset of harsh weather conditions that would follow. At the end of the summer, he found himself trapped by the rising waters of the Teklanika River, which he had crossed earlier when water levels were lower. This error in judgment effectively isolated him, cutting off any chance of escape. Additionally, McCandless' shelter, an abandoned bus, provided limited protection from the elements. As you measure.