“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.
Movie Scene Device Example Chris burning his money Symbolism : Represents his rejection of materialismThe recurring shots of wild animalsSymbolism : 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 ideasThe use of “Society” by Eddie VedderAllusion : Lyrics reference societal constraints
Movie Scene Device Example Chris’s letters and diary entries Epistolary : Provides personal insight into his thoughtsLetters 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 wildernessMotif : Recurring symbol of his ultimate quest and isolationThe backpack he carries everywhereMotif : 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 speechFlashbacks: 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 faceThe postcard sent to WayneForeshadowing : Implies Chris’s dire situation in Alaska
Movie Scene Device Example Chris’s isolation in Alaska Imagery : Vivid descriptions of the wildernessThe scenes of the bustling city lifeImagery : 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 obstaclesDescribing the road as a “path to freedom” Metaphor : Roads symbolize choices and directions in life
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
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.
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
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
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 lightContribution : 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 scenesContribution : 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), FlashbacksCinematic Techniques : Low lighting, somber musicContribution : Emphasizes the tragic end of Chris’s quest and the ultimate realization of the need for human connections
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
What literary device is used when Chris burns his money?
Which character’s voice-over provides insights into Chris’s family dynamics?
A) Wayne Westerberg
B) Ron Franz
C) Carine McCandless
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
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
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
