Forgiveness: Into the Wild

Chris McCandless is a study in contradictions. On the one hand, he is a compassionate person, who feels a responsibility for the many people who are poor and hungry. On the other hand, his actions toward his family and friends are selfish and hurtful. His inability to forgive what he perceives as his parents' greed and materialism affects his entire life, contributing to his decision to isolate himself at Emory and to his disgust with society, which prompts him to go alone into the wilderness. If he had found a way to forgive his parents for their mistakes, would he have gone to such extremes in his search to find himself? Write a blog using evidence from the text in which you explain how McCandless's attitude toward his family and society and his inability to forgive contribute to his ultimate demise.

Want to be happier? Stay in the moment...Post 3

When are humans most happy? To gather data on this question, Matt Killingsworth built an app, Track Your Happiness, that let people report their feelings in real time. Among the surprising results: We're often happiest when we're lost in the moment. And the flip side: The more our mind wanders, the less happy we can be. Watch the TED Talk and take notes that you can then use to answer the following question: How could this TED Talk benefit Holden and Chris? You must include a properly embedded and cited quotation from the novel you are currently reading AND refer specifically to the novel you read over the summer (no quotation needed). Please respond to another classmate's post. Ted Talk Link

From Innocence to Experience Post 4

In the bumpy process towards a more mature perspective of the world, what is gained and what is lost? Consider this question with Holden and Christopher in mind, and write a response in which you use evidence from the novel you are currently reading (embedded quotation/properly cited) and refer specifically to the novel you read over the summer (use examples, no quote necessary. Respond to a classmate's post.

Thoreau, Caulfield, and McCandless Post 2

“The greatest gains of life are unappreciated. We easily come to doubt if they exist. We soon forget them. They are the highest reality….” How does this passage from Henry David Thoreau apply to both Holden and Christopher? You must properly embed and cite a quotation from the reading (pages 60-100). You must comment on another peer's response.

Who is he? Post 1

How would you compare Chris and Holden? Consider those they interact with throughout the first 60 pages? Are they likeable? Irritating? Intelligent? Loners? How did you react? Who is a more sympathetic character? Explain, properly blending a quotation from the book you are currently reading. Please comment on a fellow class mate's post.