Into the Wild

by

Jon Krakauer

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Chris’ Backpack Symbol Analysis

Chris’ Backpack Symbol Icon
Chris’ mother Billie says that he “was very much of the school that you should own nothing except what you could carry on your back at a dead run.” Chris actively practices this philosophy throughout his travels and hitchhiking by only carrying enough rice to subsist upon. This lack of equipment within his pack thereby symbolizes his ill preparedness for life in the wild.
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Chris’ Backpack Symbol Timeline in Into the Wild

The timeline below shows where the symbol Chris’ Backpack appears in Into the Wild. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 1 - The Alaska Interior
The American Wilderness Theme Icon
Arrogance, Innocence, and Ignorance Theme Icon
Materialism and Idealism Theme Icon
...Alaskan wilderness, he agrees to drive him to the park. Gallien also notices that Chris’ backpack is especially light for an extended camping trip. While Chris admits to only carrying a... (full context)