what books did chris mccandless read

In his pursuit of the American Dream, Chris McCandless’ life was filled with numerous adventures and challenges, much like the protagonist in Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road.” What books did Chris McCandless read? Was it merely the classic novels he had picked up on his travels or were there hidden gems that guided him through his wilderness odyssey?

The Influence of Classic Literature

Chris McCandless was a voracious reader, but his favorite genres were not necessarily the ones that would be considered classics. He often turned to the pages of Hemingway, discovering the strength and resilience of the human spirit in his works. “The Old Man and the Sea,” for instance, served as a metaphor for McCandless’ own journey—a struggle against nature and oneself.

Moreover, McCandless was also a fan of Ernest Hemingway’s lesser-known works, such as “Fifty-Six,” which he found deeply reflective and inspiring. These books undoubtedly contributed to his philosophical outlook and encouraged him to explore deeper meanings within literature.

The Impact of Travel Writing

Jack London’s “The Call of the Wild” was another book that resonated deeply with Chris McCandless. In this novel, London narrates the story of a domestic dog who is forced into the harsh conditions of the Klondike gold rush. The themes of survival, adaptation, and the primal urge to conquer one’s environment mirrored McCandless’ own experiences.

Similarly, “Sea Wolf” by Jack London offered McCandless a glimpse into the lives of sailors and explorers, inspiring him to embrace the unknown and challenge himself physically and mentally. These travel narratives played a significant role in shaping McCandless’ adventurous spirit and his decision to leave behind conventional society.

Philosophical and Existential Works

Beyond these adventure tales, Chris McCandless was also drawn to philosophical and existentialist literature. Jean-Paul Sartre’s “Nausea” and Albert Camus’ “The Stranger” provided him with a framework to question his existence and the meaning of life. These books helped him grapple with the absurdity of existence and the inevitability of death, prompting him to seek a more authentic form of living.

Additionally, Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” introduced McCandless to the dystopian world of a future society, where individual freedom and personal growth were suppressed. This work encouraged him to reflect on the dangers of societal conformity and the importance of maintaining one’s unique identity.

The Role of Poetry

While not extensively documented, it is believed that poetry also played a crucial role in Chris McCandless’ intellectual development. Walt Whitman’s free verse and Emily Dickinson’s profound insights into human emotions and nature may have provided him with a sense of emotional depth and a heightened awareness of the beauty in simplicity.

Whitman’s “Song of Myself” and Dickinson’s poems about nature and solitude could have been instrumental in fostering McCandless’ appreciation for the natural world and his desire to connect with it on a profound level. These literary works likely contributed to his spiritual awakening and deepened his connection to the earth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Chris McCandless’ reading list was diverse and eclectic, several key books stood out as particularly influential. From Hemingway and Jack London to Sartre and Huxley, these works provided him with a rich tapestry of ideas and experiences that shaped his worldview and inspired his actions. His love for literature, combined with his adventurous spirit, ultimately led him to embark on a journey that would become legendary.

相关问答

1. What books did Chris McCandless read?

   • Chris McCandless was an avid reader who enjoyed a variety of genres including classic literature, travel writing, existential philosophy, and poetry. Some of the notable books mentioned include “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway, “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London, “Nausea” by Jean-Paul Sartre, “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley, and poetry by Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson.

2. How did literature influence Chris McCandless?

   • Literature played a pivotal role in shaping Chris McCandless’ thoughts and actions. Books like “The Old Man and the Sea” and “The Call of the Wild” provided him with a sense of resilience and adventure. Sartre’s “Nausea” and Huxley’s “Brave New World” introduced him to existentialism and the dangers of societal conformity. Whitman’s and Dickinson’s works fostered his appreciation for nature and the natural world.

3. Which specific authors had a profound impact on Chris McCandless?

   • Several authors had a profound impact on Chris McCandless, including Hemingway, Jack London, Sartre, Huxley, Whitman, and Dickinson. Their works influenced his perspective on life, survival, existential questions, and the importance of individual freedom and authenticity.

4. What kind of books did Chris McCandless avoid?

   • While Chris McCandless was a well-read individual, there is no specific record of him avoiding any particular genre or type of book. However, given his focus on adventure and existential themes, he might have preferred more action-oriented and philosophical works over purely romantic or sentimental literature.