You created the questions and so you answer ONE of the following in a WELL-DEVELOPED paragraph (or two or three) that quote(s) from the text for support (for formatting guidelines see earlier posts where I explain it.)
Please indicate which question you are answering by retyping it above your answer.
This blog response is Due Wednesday, April 15, 2009 by class-time on blog (or typed, hard copy if you cannot log-in).
Please follow proper heading format:
Your Name
Bro. Rob Peach, FSC
Rel 011.06
April 15, 2009
The questions:
- What does Chris' performance on his high school cross country team say about his character?
- How did Chris' childhood and adolescent years influence his young adult venture into the wilderness?
- How did Chris change throughout college? Why?
- In chapter 12, Carine says, " 'I think my parents' worry was mixed with hurt and anger. But I didn't feel hurt by his failure to write. I knew he was happy and doing what he watned to do (125).' " Why do you think she said this? What does this say about Carine's relationship with Chris?
- What is the meaning of the epigraph at the beginning of chapter 11?
- Did Chris' family life and what he found out about his father's tainted past have an influence on his decision to strike out into the wilderness? Explain.
- What does Walt say is the hardest part of dealing with Chris' death?
- What is the significance of Chris' gift of an expensive telescope to his father for his father's birthday?
- Why do the police first disbelieve Wayne when he tells them he knew Alex?
- Describe Chris' "dark side" as told to us in chapter 12.
- How does Walt's background as a musician reflect on Chris' natural independence?
- Would it have been possible that Chris' family could've foreshadowed his sudden departure, not just away from home, but from society as well? Explain.
- How could Chris' rather frustrating personality be, at the same time, considered "magnetic"?
- Rewrite one part of chapter 12 in one to three paragraphs through Chris' point of view.
- Describe and define some symbolism found in chapter 10.
- Why do you think Chris took his machete and gun with him to Atlanta?
- How is it fitting that it never occurred to some members of Chris' family that the dead hiker could be Chris?
- How did Chris' disappearence change Walt's demeanor?
- What did Chris feel about his attendence at Emory University? At college in general?
- What about Chris' personality baffled his parents?
- What is the meaning or significance of the what Chris writes on his first W-4 form before working for Wayne?
- What did the Alaska State Troopers mostly find in Chris' journal? What does this say about his mission?
- In chapter 11, Walt asks, " 'How is it that a kid with so much compassion can cause his parents so much pain?' " (104). Answer this question as though you were speaking to Walt McCandless.
- What does Chris' rejection of his father's warning say about his quest?
- Why were Chris and Carine so close?
- How would you feel if your father never told you he had a wife and got divorced previous to marrying the woman you call mother?
- What does Chris' mom's guitar symbolize (see chapter 11)?
- What happened to Walt's first wife? What did this cause in Chris?
- What is ironic about how Sam McCandless reacted towards his half-brothers' death?
- What kind of talent did Chris have? What does this say about his character?
- What part of Walt's personality did Chris resent? Why?
- Why do you think Chris was such a capitalistic entrepreneur, yet one who threw away his money later on in his young life?
- In chapter 11, Krakauer describes some of the close relationships Chris shared with some family members, Carine especially. Why do you think it was so easy for him to just get up and leave?
25 comments:
How did Chris' childhood and adolescent years influence his young adult venture into the wilderness?
During Chris' childhood, he revealed to the readers of his book a unique character in so many ways. One of the obvious similarities we can see is his independence throughout his childhood. This is not exactly considered antisocial, but it is a common fact that he was always a solo runner who would always make an attempt to do everything on his own. However, even if he did have some company on his journey, it probably wouldn't have made a difference because he knew in his mind that no one would sway him away from the fate that nature would bring him, even if it meant death. This made no difference to him at all.
Another more interesting thing we see in Chris' childhood is that he always seemed to be more talented at what he tried to do than everyone around him. I sometimes got the feeling that his parents would sometimes try to hold him back. Maybe it was because they wanted him to fit in, but I think that above all they respected Chris' abilities and wanted him to excel into the bright and ongoing man that he would eventually become.
John Yost
Bro. Rob Peach
Rel 011.06
April 15, 2009
-What does Chris' performance on his high school cross country team say about his character?
What this says about Chris' character is that he is strong willed, able for a challenge, and that he is mentally in shape for long endurance running. This shows that he would be conditioned and would know how to condition himself for the riggers of Alaska. Especially since he was a good cross country runner, this shows that he has determination in whatever he sets his mind to, to be the best at whatever it is that he wants to do.
Michael Uranker
Bro. Rob Peach, FSC
Rel 011.06
April 15, 2009
What is ironic about how Sam McCandless reacted towards his half-brothers' death?
What is ironic is that Sam does not care about his half-brothers death. Eventhough in the book he says,"Oh,my God, what a terrible tragedy. I really feel sorry for the family of this guy, whoever they are"(pg.101). When he finds out it was Chris, he changed his thoughts on the tragedy. He acts like he never cared about Chris.
Alex Hooper
Bro. Rob Peach
Rel 011.06
April 15, 2009
What kind of talent did Chris have? What does this say about his character?
Chris had a lot of talents. However, the talent than Chris had that he pursued was running. He thought that running was a test of faith and will. He also thought that being tired was "in your head". He would lead his team in road warrior workouts that would consist of running extremely far distances at fast paces. This suggested that he was disciplined, hard working, and determined.
In chapter 11, Walt asks, " 'How is it that a kid with so much compassion can cause his parents so much pain?' " (104). Answer this question as though you were speaking to Walt McCandless.
Mike S
Bro. Rob Peach
Rel 011. 06
Kids with a lot of compassion is tough on his/herself and also the people around them. Theres so many emotions giving off that anyone can get feel the hurt or happiness that person is feeling. A compassionate person usually is trying to find him/herself, so they will do whatever to make themselves happy. to find who can make them happy. Not even just a person, but a thing, a place, being somewhere, finding that special meaning. Im sure he never meant to cause so much hurt, he felt that this is what he had to do.
Teddy Larkin
Bro. Rob Peach
Rel 011.06
April 15, 2009
What does Chris' performance on his high school cross country team say about his character?
When Chris ran for his cc team he pushed himself to the limit of his physical but mainly his mental capabilities. When I run track in the beginning everything seems to be just physical, are in good enough shape to do well. However once you have become as fit as possible, losing much fat and gaining muscle, it becomes a mental issue. It comes down to are you willing to mentally push yourself past the barriers set up to stop you or slow you down. Chris was a fantastic runner since he had the perfect mentality for a serious long distance runner.
Krakauer writes, "The whole idea was to lose our bearings, to push ourselves into unknown " (pg 112). Chris based the rest of his life after his high school experiences like this. He lost his bearings by going to the wild and pushed himself to the limit, which unfortunately killed him.
Matt Doherty
Bro. Rob Peach,FSC
Rel 011.06
April 15,2009
What does Chris' performance on his high school cross country team say about his character?
Chris was the captain of the cross country team in high school. It is no surprise that Chris was on the cross country team because he has shown a love for nature on his different trips. Chris was a strong leader on the cross country team and he pushed everyone to the limits. Chris has changed through the years but much of him is the same. His dedication along with his motivation has evolved into the more intense Alex. Chris would give spiritually driven motivational speeches to the team. Chris's present day actions are the result of the deep spirituality. The Self responsibility Chris has is so great that everything he does has to be to the fullest extent possible.
Pat Quirin
Bro. Rob Peach, FSC
Rel 011.06
April 15, 2009
In chapter 11, Krakauer describes some of the close relationships Chris shared with some family members, Carine especially. Why do you think it was so easy for him to just get up and leave?
Chris' dedication to this journey was so mindblowing that no one could change the mindset he had of finding the true Chris McCandless. He not only changes his way of doing things, but adapts to the changes he has made. The amount of responsibility this quest took was an undescribable amount, and Chris adds even more complications to it. He knew what he wanted to do and his solidary state of mind wouldn't let anyone change this. He didn't really care what people thought because it wasn't about them, it was about him and God.
Patrick Doyle
Bro. Rob Peach
Rel 011.06
April 14, 2009
Why do the police first disbelieve Wayne when he tells them he knew Alex?
The Police recieved many calls from sources claiming to know Alex because Chris was not the first person to try to escape society and run to Alaska. The only way that Wayne was able to prove that he knew Alex was by showing the tax forms that Chris filled out.
Cam Brown
Bro. Rob Peach, FSC
Rel 011.06
April 15,2009
In chapter 11, Walt asks, " 'How is it that a kid with so much compassion can cause his parents so much pain?' " (104). Answer this question as though you were speaking to Walt
To achieve his goal, Chris had to make many sacrifices. These sacrifices were deep and painful, but they were just in Chris' eyes. His compassion was so great that nothing could stop him, not even the risk of hurting his loved ones. To him, sacrifice was required for him to attain enlightenment. Depending on the perspective, Chris' journey could be called bad, good, or anything in between. From the mindset of the parents, Chris' quest was the sad loss of a great son.
Matthew Miklasevich
Bro. Rob Peach, FSC
Rel 011.06
April 15, 2009
What does Chris' performance on his high school cross country team say about his character?
Chris's cross country performance is very much like his journey across the country. Krakauer writes, "'Chris invented this workout called the Road Warriors: He would lead us on long, killer runs through places like farmers' fields and construction sites.." They ran into unknown territory, then ran slower until they found a known road, then ran home as fast as possible. This was how Chris lived his life. He would travel aimlessly into places he is not familiar with, then return to society after a while. Chris was a great leader for the cross country team. Chris was dedicated to cross country because it was something he loved. It was always a challengs, and he would face a challenge by running straight into it, using his own talents and skills to be successful.
Nick Durkin
Bro. Rob Peach FSC
Rel 011.06
April 15, 2009
What is the significance of Chris' gift of an expensive telescope to his father for his father's birthday?
It was always out of Chris' character to buy or use anything that had a large value. Chris saw having valuable possesions as selfish and pointless if they weren't used in a way to help others. Chris also never appreciated it when his parents got him or offered him anything special or worth alot of money.
Michael Sestric
Bro. Rob Peach, FSC
Rel 011.06
April 15, 2009
In chapter 12, Carine says, " 'I think my parents' worry was mixed with hurt and anger. But I didn't feel hurt by his failure to write. I knew he was happy and doing what he watned to do (125).' " Why do you think she said this? What does this say about Carine's relationship with Chris?
The Relationship that Chris shared with Carnie was something unique and unusual. Most brothers and sisters do not share the same feeling as Carnie and Chris. Carnie realized from a young age that Chris didn't want to conform. She understood that he had bigger dreams and goals aside from those of society. His parents, being normal people of the human world, did not quite understand why Chris did what he did. Therefore the interpreted it as an act of selfishness and insanity. However, Carnie understood the mind of Chris McCandless, and she respected his right to be an individual. The global society doesn't care if your happy or not, it wants you to want what it wants. And because of that it rejects anyone who breaks away.
Stephen Stuthers
Bro. Rob Peach,FSC
Rel 011.06
April 15, 2009
What is the meaning of the epigraph at the beginning of chapter 11?
The Epigraph in chapter eleven means that everyone has to grow up and let go. Kids are led by there parents until they are ready to leave for college. then the parents let go and it could be hard for both people. you have to take on responsibility and do things for yourself.
Vaughn Franz
Bro. Rob Peach
Rel 011.06
April 14, 2009
How is it fitting that it never occurred to some members of Chris' family that the dead hiker could be Chris?
Sam, Chris' half brother, saw the story of a dead hiker in the Washington Post. When he read of it the thought of Chris did not even enter his mind. In an example of this Krakauer quotes Sam with "It didn't occur to me that the hiker might be Chris. Never even crossed my mind."(Krakauer 101). It is fitting that Sam did not consider the possibility of that hiker being Chris because when Chris disappeared he intended to start a new life for himself. Although Sam did not know Chris well it is interesting that the thought did not cross his mind because he was still his half brother and he would have probably been familiar with the story of Chris' disappearance. Chris' journey had the intention of denouncing materialism and becoming closer to God but, he was also inventing a new life for himself and attempting to get away from his parents. He adopted the persona of Alex Supertramp and invented a new life for himself. It seems that he succeeded in his endeavor to escape and leave behind everything from his old life because of Sam's reaction to the newspaper article.
Therefore it is fitting because in leaving behind his material possessions and making a new life for himself he also left behind all of the relationships and associations that went along with being Chris McCandless. This also shows Chris' evolution in Alexander Supertramp.
Conor Coleman
Bro. Rob Peach, FSC
Religion 011.06
April 15, 2009
Describe Chris' "dark side" as told to us in chapter 12.
Realizing that his early life in California was a predominately a lie, Chris's resentment for his parents and their actions hardened. Although he had discovered his parents' dirty little secret, he decided to contain his knowledge of this, just adding it to the already smoldering fire of contempt. Harboring his anger, Chris would "express his rage obliquely, in silence and sullen withdrawal," (Krakauer, 123).
Chad Goldman
Bro. Rob Peach
Rel 011.06
April 14, 2009
What is the meaning of the epigraph at the beginning of chapter 11?
The epigraph means there was someone always leading you. Once you become free or on your own you seem to forget everything you have learned. You also have no idea what to do because no one is leading you along your way. the epigraph shows what it like when there is no leader and your sense of direction is completely lost.
Jack Treado
Bro. Rob Peach
Rel 011.06
April 15,2009
Why did the police first disbeleive Wayne when he said he knew Alex?
The Police had head from many different sources that said they had met Alex. There were many others who had tried to run away to Alaska to "find themselves" Also, Wayne had no information about knowing Alex other than the tax forms he had filled out, which he only revealed later.
Chris McNulty
Bro. Rob Peach, FSC
Rel 011.06
April 15, 2009
What is the meaning or significance of the what Chris writes on his first W-4 form before working for Wayne?
When Chris first applies to work for Wayne, he must fill out a W-4 form. The W-4 is a standard IRS tax form that is used to report financial income. Because Chris is earning money from his job, he must pay taxes on his income, like everyone else, so he must report his taxable income on the W-4 form. One of the requirements of filling out a W-4 is reporting your Social Security number. Chris McCandless had made a mistake when filling out his W-4: instead of putting down a fake number to conceal his identity, had reported his real number. When Wayne called the Alaskan Troopers after Chris’s death, he faxed them Chris’s social security number to prove that Chris had indeed worked for him. This allowed the Troopers to identify Alex, eventually establish contact with his family, and finally end the case.
George Tsounos
Bro. Rob Peach
Rel 011.06
April 15, 2009
-What does Chris' performance on his high school cross country team say about his character?
Chris' performance on his high school cross country team said about his character is that he is mentally and physically in shape for running. Also he was the captain of the team so that shows he has leadership qualities. This showed how he made it to Alaska because he was so in shape. I think that Chris made it to Alaska because he had determination for what ever he did if it was cross country to going to Alaska.
Kris Sabatini
Bro. Rob Peach FSC
Rel 011.06
Apirl 16 2009
What kind of talent did Chris have? What does this say about his character?
Chris had plenty of talents. His most worked on and used was running. He saw as challege to his faith in himself and his willpower . He also thought that b This shows that he was hard working and had a strong will power. He, however, did not work on his other talents as much as he did running. This shows that he is sometimes uncaring about himself and forgetful. All and all, Chris was a very gifted boy.
Francesco Speziali
What does Chris' performance on his high school cross country team say about his character?
Chris enjoyed being amazing and praised by his peers, and he spent his life obsessing over reaching new unreached limits and showing off his endurance by motivating others to do what he was able to do. The way he is remembered for his Cross Country performance proves this, for he led the group into "killer runs" through farms and fields. Chris found out that the gratification of being the most popular, strong, coolest, kindest payed off for all the difficult work and pain he had to endure for it, and this is great. This worked so well for him that he took it to a new level. He went on a super adventure all alone and once he realized that nobody cared, he ended up dieing, and suddenly everybody cared about him even more than before. It is a shame that he was not there to see the new level he had reached in popularity and fame, or to read the book based on him. What a shame...
Kevin Petnuch
Bro. Rob Peach
Rel 011.06
April 16, 2009
What does Chris' performance on his high school cross country team say about his character?
Chris' preformance while on his highschool cross country team shows that he is a very stong person, physically and mentally, who will never give up inwhat he is doing. This determination Allows chris to have the will power to survive in Alaska and conquer the wilderness. Eventhough he died, he lasted long thaan most would have thought him to will the little food and surplies that he had.
Bro. Rob Peach, FSC
Rel 011.06
April 1, 2009
What is the significance of Chris' gift of an expensive telescope to his father for his father's birthday?
The telescope was designed to look at things a long distances, but in a way Chris himself could be seen as a telescope. Because he set his sites on one thing, and was Alaska. Just like a telescope can only look at one thing at a time. In my opinion the significance is that Chris went a spiritual search for a one thing,God, just like a telescope is used for searching for stars. The telescope also shows how Chris was always into searching for things, even it a young age.
RyanA.Smith
Bro.Rob Peach,FSC
Relo11.06
April 15, 2009
How did Chris'childhood and adolescent years influence his young adult venture into the wilderness?
Chris childhood influence his young adult venture because, of his pearents aways fighting with one other grove Chris to the wildlife.Also becauseof them Chris felt like he could never go back home again.
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