Literary Reflection

If you could bring one character from any one book that we have read this year with you when you go to college, who would bring? Why?

Over the course of this school year, I have read a total of seven books. Out of all these books, my favorite character has been Chris McCandless, from Into the Wild. I feel that he would be a wonderful friend to have on my college campus. He was interesting, innovative, spontaneous, and genuinely charismatic. From all people who met him throughout the final years of his life, they all agreed that he was a nice person who touched their lives with his unique philosophy on life and nature.

Free from society's pressure, Chris McCandless believed "how important it is in life not necessarily to be strong... but to feel strong." I think Chris McCandless was very independent, and I admire how he took no pity from anyone.  He complained rarely, even under the darkest conditions possible- like when he became homeless for a portion of the time and when he even got sick occasionally. He would "wander the seedier quarters of Washington, chatting with prostitutes and homeless people, buying them meals, earnestly suggesting ways they might improve their lives." This was a completely selfless act, and instead of discouraging other homeless people, he tended to encourage them to be happy.

I think that Chris McCandless would be easy to get along with, and valuable to learn from. Also, if Chris McCandless was a future friend of mine, I would be interested in his spontaneous ideas- from his early road trip ideas to his travels all around the country.