Student Question

What other realizations does Chris have at the end of Into the Wild?

Quick answer:

At the end of Into the Wild, Chris McCandless realizes he has lived a good life and signs a note with his real name, suggesting he has made peace with his negative feelings toward his family and accepted himself. He acknowledges his past grievances with his parents and society but ultimately concludes that his life was fulfilling and being true to himself was worthwhile despite his challenges.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

According to the note posted outside the bus, which was discovered by the group of people who found Christopher McCandless's body, McCandless had come to the realization that he had lived a good life.  In addition, he signed the note with his real name, Christopher J. McCandless, so it is reasonable to assume that he felt he had made peace with his intensely negative feelings toward his family and come to accept himself as who he was.  For at least the last several years, he seems to have blamed his parents and society for his unhappiness and felt that he deserved something more.  In the end, he knew that his life had been good, and that being himself was not a bad thing, even considering his problems.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial