John McPhee's work, "Coming into the Country," provides a profound exploration of Alaska during the transformative period of the 1970s. Through his nuanced observations, McPhee captures the tension between modern development and traditional lifestyles, painting a vivid picture of a state grappling with the influx of settlers and the pressures of economic change. By delving into both the natural beauty and the societal shifts, he offers a rich tapestry of Alaska as the ultimate "last frontier."

A State in Flux

In the 1970s, Alaska stood on the precipice of change, driven by pivotal developments such as the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. These events heralded economic opportunities and drew new residents into the state, yet the impacts on the landscape and indigenous communities were complex. While oil wealth and construction jobs proliferated, their effects were largely transient, leaving the vast wilderness seemingly untouched by human hands. Despite these changes, familiar social and economic challenges from the lower forty-eight states began to surface in Alaskan life, mirroring national disputes and political dynamics.

The indigenous populations faced profound lifestyle changes, as subsistence economies shifted to cash economies. This transition saw traditional canoes and dogsleds replaced by motorboats and snowmobiles. However, the cultural adaptation was uneven, leaving many unprepared to maintain the modern machinery necessary for survival in harsh terrains. McPhee's narrative poignantly critiques this forced assimilation, highlighting the blunt requirement for natives to "turn white."

McPhee’s Unique Perspective

Positioning himself as both an observer and participant, McPhee's narrative voice remains neutral yet deeply informed. He meticulously documents a spectrum of opinions without overt judgment, offering insights into the contrasting views between communities such as Anchorage and Juneau, as well as within towns like Eagle. However, McPhee's personal views emerge through his critique of the treatment of native populations, revealing his disdain for the cultural assimilation imposed by new legislations.

His narrative also reveals a profound respect and admiration for Alaska's wildlife, particularly its bears. Through detailed accounts, McPhee conveys the simultaneous beauty and danger of these majestic creatures. His encounters with bears are filled with awe and trepidation, underscoring the delicate balance between human presence and the untamed natural world.

Cultural Adaptation and Survival

McPhee's exploration of Alaskan life extends to the ways in which residents adapt to their environment. The narrative highlights their ingenuity in utilizing available resources, such as repurposing parts from wrecked machines or finding new uses for ubiquitous fifty-five-gallon oil drums. These adaptations form an integral part of Alaskan culture, characterized by resilience and self-sufficiency.

While acknowledging the role of officials in designating wilderness areas, McPhee's admiration lies with those who carve out a life in the harsh Alaskan environment. The people of Eagle, despite their faults, embody the essence of Alaskan resilience and independence. Yet, McPhee critically notes their insensitivity towards Indian neighbors, pointing out the pervasive expectation for Indians to "think or act white."

The Symbolism of Alaska

"Coming into the Country" serves as a reflection on what Alaska represents symbolically as a "last frontier." McPhee's portrayal of diverse Alaskan inhabitants reveals a deeper understanding of the state's allure for the American imagination. The sentiment, echoed by a prospector that Alaska provides a necessary frontier experience, resonates throughout McPhee's work. This idea is enriched by comparisons to literary works like Thoreau's "Walden" and Krakauer's "Into the Wild," which explore deliberate living amid untamed nature.

McPhee's journeys in Alaska highlight the difficulty and resilience required to thrive in such an unforgiving environment. His portrayal contrasts the frenetic pace of continental American society with the deliberate, rugged existence of those choosing...