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Chapter 12
Themes
and Colors
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Into the Wild, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
The American Wilderness
Risk and Self-Reinvention
Arrogance, Innocence, and Ignorance
Luck, Chance, and Circumstance
Materialism and Idealism
Isolation v. Intimacy
Summary
Analysis
Carine relives the day she learned of her brother’s death, musing that if their family dog Buck had accompanied Chris, he might have taken fewer risks.
The question of “what if,” lingers over Carine’s rumination, heightening the sense that Chris could have survived.
Active
Themes
Now a successful and ambitious businesswoman, Carine remembers how Chris used to tease her for her capitalistic zeal, yet remained her closest confidant.
As Chris’ family continue to mourn his death, Carine and Billie lose weight suddenly, while Walt overeats, gaining several pounds.
The McCandless’s weight fluctuations parallel Chris’ own experiences with hunger, bringing the family closer to Chris than ever before.
Active
Themes
