In "Into the Wild," McCandless rejects his parents' lifestyle due to his disdain for their materialism and hypocrisy. He perceives his father's wealth as a tool for control and sees the family's affluent lifestyle as a facade masking domestic abuse and dishonesty. Influenced by writers such as Thoreau, Tolstoy, and London, who advocated for a simpler life closer to nature, McCandless embarks on a journey of self-discovery and voluntary poverty, enabled by the very privilege he criticizes.

Chris McCandless's statement reflects his rejection of conventional societal norms, particularly careers, which he views as hollow pursuits tied to materialistic and consumerist values. By renaming himself Alexander Supertramp and embarking on a journey against societal expectations, McCandless embodies the spirit of 1960s counterculture. His disillusionment with traditional success, influenced by perceived familial betrayal, leads him to renounce a conventional career path in favor of seeking adventure and authenticity in life.

Chris McCandless, as depicted in Into the Wild, often adheres to societal laws when they align with his moral beliefs, despite his admiration for Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience." While he occasionally avoids paying taxes and uses false names, he typically follows laws, works diligently, and donates to charity. For instance, he completed college with honors, demonstrating compliance with societal expectations. Thus, his actions suggest a selective adherence rather than a blanket rejection of laws.

Two instances in "Into the Wild" that align with Thoreau's quote from "Walden" are when Chris McCandless abandons his car and burns his cash to escape material dependency, and when he sets out for Alaska with only minimal supplies, including a ten-pound bag of rice. These actions reflect his commitment to simplicity, mirroring Thoreau's philosophy of reducing life's complexities to focus on essential experiences.

Transcendentalism is crucial to Chris McCandless as it shapes his personal philosophy and actions in "Into the Wild." Inspired by Thoreau, Tolstoy, and London, Chris embraced the transcendentalist ideals of living in harmony with nature, self-sufficiency, and rejecting materialism and societal norms. He sought to discover inner truths through personal experience, living simply with minimal possessions. Although he lacked guidance, Chris's journey reflects a modern transcendentalist quest for meaning and authenticity.

The question of whether it is better to conform to society or pursue personal interests is subjective and depends on individual perspectives. Chris McCandless, the protagonist of Into the Wild, chose to pursue personal interests, rejecting societal norms for a life of adventure and self-discovery. While some admire this approach, others argue it led to his isolation and eventual demise. Conformity can provide community and security, which McCandless lacked, highlighting the trade-offs of each path.

In Into the Wild, Chris McCandless's strained relationship with his father significantly influenced his behavior. Chris rejected his father's materialism and deception, particularly after discovering his father's double life. This led him to disdain societal norms and pursue a life of simplicity and truth, inspired by authors like Thoreau and Emerson. His journey to Alaska symbolized a rejection of his parents' values and a search for authenticity, ultimately leading to his emotional isolation and tragic fate.

Chris McCandless was not necessarily relieved to part ways with Ronald Franz. Although he enjoyed Franz's company and often communicated with him, McCandless's inherent desire for independence and adventure drove him to leave. Franz's attempts to guide McCandless towards a conventional path, like getting an education and job, mirrored pressures from his family, which McCandless resisted. Ultimately, his urge to continue wandering outweighed the comfort of staying with Franz.

In Into the Wild, Chris McCandless draws significant inspiration from Henry David Thoreau. McCandless adopts Thoreau's transcendentalist philosophy, seeking simplicity, self-reliance, and a deeper connection with nature. Thoreau's influence is evident in McCandless's rejection of materialism and societal norms, as well as his quest for a meaningful and authentic life in the wilderness.