Into the Wild (2007)

Brief Intro

“Into the Wild,” directed by Sean Penn, is a 2007 film adaptation of Jon Krakauer’s 1996 non-fiction book. It chronicles the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandons his possessions, gives his entire savings to charity, and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. The film explores themes of freedom, isolation, and the search for meaning, using a rich tapestry of literary and cinematic techniques.

Literary Devices Used in Into the Wild

Movie Scene	Device Example
Chris burning his money	Symbolism: Represents his rejection of materialism
The recurring shots of wild animals	Symbolism: Reflects Chris’s longing for freedom and primal life

Movie Scene	Device Example
Chris quoting Thoreau in his journal	Allusion: Connects his journey to transcendentalist ideas
The use of “Society” by Eddie Vedder	Allusion: Lyrics reference societal constraints

Movie Scene	Device Example
Chris’s letters and diary entries	Epistolary: Provides personal insight into his thoughts
Letters from his family	Epistolary: Reveals family dynamics and their concerns

Movie Scene	Device Example
Chris’s narration throughout the film	Internal Monologue: Offers deep introspection into his mindset
Carine’s voice-over narrations	Internal Monologue: Adds perspective on Chris’s actions

Movie Scene	Device Example
The bus in the Alaskan wilderness	Motif: Recurring symbol of his ultimate quest and isolation
The backpack he carries everywhere	Motif: Symbolizes his journey and burden

Movie Scene	Device Example
Flashbacks to Chris’s childhood	Flashbacks: Provide context and background to his decisions
Flashback to graduation speech	Flashbacks: Highlights his initial discontent with society

Movie Scene	Device Example
Chris’s tragic end in the bus	Irony: Seeks freedom but finds entrapment and death
Encounter with Ron Franz	Irony: Rejects emotional connections despite seeking purpose

Movie Scene	Device Example
Meeting with Wayne Westerberg	Foreshadowing: Hints at the hardships Chris will face
The postcard sent to Wayne	Foreshadowing: Implies Chris’s dire situation in Alaska

Movie Scene	Device Example
Chris’s isolation in Alaska	Imagery: Vivid descriptions of the wilderness
The scenes of the bustling city life	Imagery: Stark contrast to the serenity of nature

Movie Scene	Device Example
Chris reflecting by the river	Metaphor: River as a symbol of life’s journey and obstacles
Describing the road as a “path to freedom”	Metaphor: Roads symbolize choices and directions in life

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Christopher McCandless (Alexander Supertramp)

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Chris’s rejection of materialism through burning money
Internal Monologue	Deep introspection shown through his narrations

Carine McCandless

Device	Explanation
Internal Monologue	Voice-over provides insight into Chris’s family dynamics
Flashbacks	Her memories help build the background of Chris’s motivations

Ron Franz

Device	Explanation
Irony	Despite seeking connection, Chris leaves Ron to continue his quest
Foreshadowing	Their bond hints at the potential paths Chris could take

Wayne Westerberg

Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	Conversations hint at the risks and hardships of Chris’s journey
Epistolary	Letters exchanged provide personal views on Chris’s character

Character Dynamics

The relationships between Chris and other characters like Ron Franz, Wayne Westerberg, and his family drive the narrative, showcasing his internal conflicts and quest for identity. These interactions highlight themes of freedom vs. responsibility, connection vs. isolation, and the pursuit of true happiness.

Thematic Analysis

Freedom and Independence

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Chris burning his money symbolizes his quest for true freedom
Motif	The bus represents both freedom and entrapment

Isolation and Society

Device	Explanation
Imagery	Contrasting visuals of bustling cities and serene wilderness
Irony	Chris seeks isolation but realizes the need for human connection

Search for Meaning

Device	Explanation
Allusion	References to Thoreau and other philosophers emphasize his quest
Metaphor	The river as life’s journey reflects Chris’s search for purpose

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Visual Symbolism	Use of the bus as a recurring visual symbol of his journey
Imagery	Cinematography	Vivid landscape shots contrast with city scenes
Internal Monologue	Voice-Over Narration	Provides direct insight into Chris’s thoughts and feelings
Flashbacks	Editing	Seamless transitions between past and present
Irony	Juxtaposition	Visual contrasts highlight the ironies in Chris’s journey

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection: Chris’s Journey to Alaska

• Link to Scene: Chris’s Journey
• Breakdown:
  • Literary Devices: Symbolism (the journey as a quest), Imagery (stunning landscapes)
  • Cinematic Techniques: Sweeping camera shots, use of natural light
  • Contribution: Establishes the film’s central theme of seeking freedom in nature

Scene Selection: Meeting Ron Franz

• Link to Scene: Meeting Ron
• Breakdown:
  • Literary Devices: Irony (Ron’s offer of family and stability)
  • Cinematic Techniques: Close-ups, dialogue-heavy scenes
  • Contribution: Highlights the tension between Chris’s desire for isolation and human connection

Scene Selection: Chris’s Final Moments

• Link to Scene: Final Moments
• Breakdown:
  • Literary Devices: Irony (freedom leading to entrapment), Flashbacks
  • Cinematic Techniques: Low lighting, somber music
  • Contribution: Emphasizes the tragic end of Chris’s quest and the ultimate realization of the need for human connections

Conclusion

To wrap up this in-depth exploration of literary devices in “Into the Wild,” here’s a fun interactive quiz to test your knowledge!

Multiple Choice Quiz

1. What literary device is used when Chris burns his money?
   • A) Allusion
   • B) Symbolism
   • C) Metaphor
2. Which character’s voice-over provides insights into Chris’s family dynamics?
   • A) Wayne Westerberg
   • B) Ron Franz
   • C) Carine McCandless
3. How is irony depicted in Chris’s journey?
   • A) Through his isolation in nature
   • B) Through his flashbacks to childhood
   • C) Through his tragic end in the bus
4. Which technique is used to emphasize the theme of freedom in the film?
   • A) Close-ups of Chris’s face
   • B) Sweeping landscape shots
   • C) Flashbacks to family scenes
5. What motif recurs throughout the film to symbolize Chris’s quest?
   • A) The river
   • B) The bus
   • C) His backpack

Answers: 1) B, 2) C, 3) C, 4) B, 5) B