Into the Wild

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 18 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. In Chapter 1, what does Jim Gallien notice about Alex, and why does he worry about him?
2. In Chapter 2, how does the description of the bus and the wilderness help you understand the danger Chris faced?
3. In Chapter 3, what do Wayne Westerberg's memories show about Chris's personality?
4. In Chapter 4, Chris leaves his car, gives away money, and changes his plans. What do these choices tell you about what he values?
5. In Chapter 5, Chris tries living and working in Bullhead City. How is this part of his life different from his time in the wilderness?
6. In Chapter 6, how does Chris's friendship with Ronald Franz affect both of them?
7. In Chapter 7, why do you think Chris has a hard time staying close to people, even people who care about him?
8. In Chapter 8, the author compares Chris to other adventurers. How does this help you understand Chris better?
9. In Chapter 9, what is a theme, or big idea, you notice in the stories about people who leave ordinary life for the wild?
10. In Chapter 10, people begin to learn who the young man in Alaska really was. How does this change the way the story feels?
11. In Chapter 11, what details from Chris's childhood help explain the kind of person he became?
12. In Chapter 12, Chris learns upsetting things about his family. How might this have changed the way he saw the world?
13. In Chapter 13, what does Carine's point of view help you understand about Chris and his family?
14. In Chapter 14, Krakauer tells a story about his own climb. Why do you think he includes his own experience in a book about Chris?
15. In Chapter 15, Krakauer faces danger while climbing. What lesson about risk can readers learn from this chapter?
16. In Chapter 16, Chris enjoys parts of life at the bus but also makes mistakes. What are some ways he shows both courage and lack of preparation?
17. In Chapter 17, Krakauer visits the place where Chris lived. What new understanding does this visit give the author?
18. In Chapter 18, what do you think the author wants readers to feel or think about Chris's final days?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

In Chapter 3, what do Wayne Westerberg's memories show about Chris's personality?

I think Wayne's memories show that Chris was a hard worker and very smart. He did not act lazy, and he was willing to do difficult jobs. Chris also seemed friendly, but he kept some parts of his life private. This makes me think he wanted people to like him for who he was, not for his family or money.

In Chapter 6, how does Chris's friendship with Ronald Franz affect both of them?

Chris and Ronald Franz both seem to care about each other. Ronald is lonely, and Chris gives him someone to talk to and care for. Chris also gets kindness and help from Ronald, even though he still wants to keep moving. I think their friendship is important because it shows Chris could touch people's lives deeply.

In Chapter 16, Chris enjoys parts of life at the bus but also makes mistakes. What are some ways he shows both courage and lack of preparation?

Chris shows courage because he lives alone in a wild place and tries to find food for himself. He also seems happy when he is close to nature. But he is not fully prepared because he does not have enough supplies or a safe plan for leaving. I think the chapter shows that being brave is not the same as being ready.