Jan 12 & 13 2026 Chapter 15-18 Into The Wild
With Definitions:
Chapter 15
Hubris: Excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to downfall.
Insurrection: A violent uprising against authority or government.
Desiccate: To dry up or dehydrate thoroughly.
Prodigious: Remarkably or impressively great in size, extent, or degree.
Peril: Serious and immediate danger.
Transcendent: Beyond or above the range of normal or physical human experience; extraordinary.
Gaunt: Lean and haggard, especially due to suffering, hunger, or age.
Epiphany: A sudden and profound realization or insight.
Fecund: Fertile; capable of producing abundant growth or offspring.
Resilient: Able to recover quickly from difficult conditions.
Gaudy: Extravagantly bright or showy, often in a tasteless way.
Into the Wild — Chapters 15–18 Summary
Chapter 15 – The Stikine Ice Cap
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Krakauer recounts his own dangerous climb in Alaska to help readers understand Chris’s attraction to risk.
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The Stikine Ice Cap becomes a symbol of extreme wilderness and isolation.
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Krakauer admits he was drawn to danger, much like Chris.
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This chapter builds a strong connection between the author and McCandless.
Chapter 16 – The Stampede Trail
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Focuses on Chris’s final months in the bus.
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He lives completely alone, surviving on hunting and foraging.
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Finds a book in the bus and writes in the margins about his experiences.
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His journal entries show:
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growing confidence,
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deep reflection,
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and a sense of purpose.
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However, food becomes scarce and conditions worsen.
Chapter 17 – The End
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Chris becomes weak and malnourished.
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He eats poisonous plant seeds (mistakenly believed to be safe).
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Unable to hunt or gather enough food, he slowly starves.
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Writes his final message:
“Happiness only real when shared.”
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He prepares for death with calm acceptance.
Chapter 18 – Epilogue
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Krakauer visits Chris’s parents.
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They struggle with grief but seek understanding rather than blame.
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The novel ends with reflection, not judgment.
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Emphasizes compassion and complexity of Chris’s choices.
Major Themes (Mini Lesson Summary)
1. The Search for Meaning
Chris rejects materialism and comfort in search of truth, purpose, and freedom.
2. The Power and Danger of Nature
Nature offers beauty and peace — but also serious risk and no mercy for mistakes.
3. Isolation vs. Connection
Chris believes isolation will bring enlightenment, but his final realization is:
Connection gives life meaning.
4. Idealism vs. Reality
Chris’s dreams of pure independence clash with the harsh realities of survival.
5. Youth, Risk, and Identity
Chris represents the intense idealism of youth — driven, hopeful, brave, but sometimes unaware of limits.
Creative Writing Tie-In (Discussion)
Question for students:
When does the desire for freedom become dangerous? How do isolation and connection shape who we become?
Prep for Final Exam
Vocab & Definitions Chapter 1-18 Into the Wild - Review
Kahoots x 2 - re: Full Novel.
More Kahoots Below - Also - Time Provided Jan 21 to work through these -
Into the Wild General Questions
Short Story Prep - The Black Cat, The Lottery, Identities, Yellow Wallpaper
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