Into the Wild Group

Question:

meganmegan
meganmegan
Student
High School - 11th Grade

What are a few symbols in the book, Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer?

The wild itself? Burning money? What do the symbols stand for?

These can be very brief descriptions.  I'm giving a small two minute speech on 2 motifs, a theme and 2 symbols of the book.  So the shorter the better.  Thanks guys, this is really going to help!!

Rate question:

Posted by meganmegan on Saturday May 30, 2009 at 9:31 AM and tagged with symbolism, symbols.

Answers:


  1. charcunning Teacher
    High School - 11th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Definitely you are on the right track with the money as a symbol. Money represents everything McCandless is fighting AGAINST. His parents are wealthy and have everything they could need/want; Chris finds this unjust. Same with the trust fund. He felt he did nothing to earn it, yet had it all, while others went without.

    In particular, the burning of the money is symbolic of McCandless's rejection of the way humankind revolves around money.

    And yes, the wild is a symbol as well--it definitely represents freedom from the demands and restrictions of society. It also represents hopes, beliefs, dreams and the willpower to stay true to these things as well...

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/into-wild-qn/themes-characters

    Rate answer:

    Posted by charcunning on Wednesday July 22, 2009 at 4:20 PM