Into The Wild Figurative Language

Introduction

Jon Krakauer's nonfiction book Into the Wild tells the captivating story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandons his comfortable life to journey into the Alaskan wilderness. Throughout the book, Krakauer employs various forms of figurative language to enhance the reader's understanding and experience. Figurative language, such as metaphors, similes, and personification, allows Krakauer to convey complex ideas, evoke emotions, and create vivid imagery. This essay will explore the use of figurative language in Into the Wild and examine how it contributes to the overall meaning and impact of the book.

Metaphors in Into the Wild

One of the prominent figures of speech Krakauer employs is metaphor. Metaphors enable the author to draw connections between seemingly unrelated concepts, inviting readers to view familiar ideas in a new light. In Into the Wild, Krakauer frequently uses metaphors to describe nature and its power. For instance, he describes the Alaskan wilderness as a "frigid, unyielding land" (Krakauer 4), emphasizing its harsh and unforgiving nature. By comparing the wilderness to a person, Krakauer creates a sense of foreboding and highlights the challenges that await McCandless.

Another powerful metaphor Krakauer employs is the comparison of McCandless to a modern-day transcendentalist. He writes, "McCandless went into the wilderness not primarily to ponder nature or the world at large but, rather, to explore the inner country of his own soul" (Krakauer 184). This metaphor suggests that McCandless sought a deeper understanding of himself and his place in the world, much like the transcendentalists of the 19th century. By using this metaphor, Krakauer implies that McCandless's journey was not merely a physical one but a spiritual quest for self-discovery.

Similes in Into the Wild

Similes are another form of figurative language used by Krakauer in Into the Wild. Similes compare two unlike things using "like" or "as," enabling the reader to visualize and comprehend complex ideas more easily. Krakauer often uses similes to describe McCandless's physical state during his time in the wilderness. For example, he writes, "McCandless was as starving as the squirrels whose dug-up caches he'd been living on" (Krakauer 123). This simile conveys the extent of McCandless's hunger and emphasizes his desperate circumstances.

Krakauer also employs similes to highlight the impact of the wilderness on McCandless's mental state. He describes McCandless's mind as "a sprawling junkyard" (Krakauer 189), suggesting the chaos and confusion within. This simile captures the disarray of McCandless's thoughts and emotions, emphasizing the toll that isolation and solitude have taken on his psyche.

Personification in Into the Wild

Personification is yet another form of figurative language utilized by Krakauer in Into the Wild. Personification attributes human characteristics to non-human entities, giving them life and agency. Krakauer often personifies nature, presenting it as a force with its own intentions and desires. For instance, he writes, "The fact that McCandless's body had been found in the bus didn't surprise me. He'd been headed back to the highway—his journal made that clear—and he'd have to follow the Teklanika River to do it. But the river had other ideas" (Krakauer 189). By attributing intentions to the river, Krakauer suggests that nature is not passive but actively shapes the course of events. This personification reinforces the idea that McCandless's fate was determined by forces beyond his control.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jon Krakauer's use of figurative language in Into the Wild enhances the reader's understanding and experience of the book. Through metaphors, similes, and personification, Krakauer conveys complex ideas, evokes emotions, and creates vivid imagery. The metaphors of the harsh wilderness and the modern-day transcendentalist highlight the challenges and spiritual quest of McCandless. Similes vividly describe McCandless's physical and mental states, allowing readers to empathize with his experiences. Personification gives agency to nature, emphasizing its power and influence over the course of events. By employing these various forms of figurative language, Krakauer adds depth and richness to his narrative, ultimately contributing to the overall meaning and impact of Into the Wild.