Chris McCandndless’ Rebellious Nature and his Family Relationship

The family plays a key role in an individual’s development. The socialization process also starts at the family echelon. The audience is inducted into McCandless story through his family. Accordingly, family themes are painted throughout the plot and drives McCandless’s choices. To gain logic of identity despite the multiple obstacles that individuals face in making their choices and ambitions; we must put into considerations those people close to us. I settled on the theme of family relationship because most youths can trace their identity with McCandless story. Guardians may be deeply concerned about the well-being of their children, but there always occur a rift between the child’s and the parent’s ambitions. McCandless’s parents chose him a career without involving him, and when he objected, they still insisted on their choice. His parents still languish in the old mindset where the parents chose careers for their children. Generation differences between Chris and his parents also contributes to miscommunication. His parents are still entangled in the mindset that Chris cannot make a sound decision.

Brief Background Information of the Major and Minor Characters

Chris McCandless Chris acts as the chief subject of the text. He was raised in the Washington D.C metro region and schooled at Emory University. On completion, he bequeathed his savings to charity and set out on a journey to the West, but he did not alert his parents. This portrays a sour relationship that Chris shared with his parents. He later adopts a new name Alex while hiking. He is also portrayed as a rebellious person, especially when he defied a park ranger’s advice not to use a kayak on his own. He is also portrayed as generous, especially when he donates his entire savings towards charity.

McCandless Parents Chris’ parents were Walt and Billie McCandless. Chris’ relationship with his father soured when Chris learnt that his father had fathered a child out of wedlock with another woman. His mother runs a consultancy firm with Walt and they make enough money to enroll Chris and his sister (Carine) through a formal education system. Carine enjoyed a very steady relationship with Chris, and she found it hard to come into terms with the death of Chris. The different characters play various roles in the story. Chris for instance, is the main character in the story, and he helps the author to narrate the story. The author uses him to show the contrast between the old and the new generation. Chris parents bring up their children in a highly restrictive environment. Although they did everything to ensure a smooth future for their children, they did not give their children enough freedom to make their own decision. The story brings into the limelight some key events. For instance, the story reveals family squabbles in McCandless family. The family is involved in generational crisis, and this causes Chris to opt running away from home. Chris journey in the west is also given heightened attention. In his journey, he encounters new people, and shares new ideas with them.

Major Family Themes Love and the need for emotional connection is one of the most prevalent themes in the plot. Chris escapes from his home because he was convinced that his parents did not offer him the love he deserved. Another common theme is the Father-son Relationship. Chris and his father are entangled in various ideological differences. Walt does not understand that he has become of age and that he should be left to make his own decisions. This brings an enormous rift between him and his father. Family Disputes is also a key theme the author wants to highlight. Chris and his parents differ on a number of issues. His father, for instance, chooses a career for Chris, something that Chris vehemently objects.

The Role Played by Family in an Individual’s Life

The decision Chris’ parents make for him without putting into consideration his opinion ends up affecting Chris later life. His parents insist on a perfect career choice that he should consider. This makes Chris feel undermined, and it later prompts his escape from his parental home. Although Chris sets out to seek liberty, he later encounters his death in the wilderness.

Challenges that Families Face First, Chris parents do not come up with appropriate ways through whish they can relate to him or through which they can repair their deteriorating relationship. Most parents find it hard to relate well with their children especially when the come of age. Chris and his parents differ simply because his parents could not give him freedom to choose whatever he wished to do on life. The rift later makes Chris to run away from home.

It is clear that Chris family is intertwined in unending family disputes. This dispute affects Chris life and even triggers his escape. There is a significant dispute on the career choice that Chris should undertake. Rebellion and separation are the other challenges that the family seem to be facing. After Chris learnt that the disputes between him and his parents seemed unending, he decides to flee to seek his freedom. Although there was a serious rift between Chris and his parents, Chris would have sought dialogue to solve the issues that the family faced. His rebellion and further escapes, contribute heavily to his death

Relation of the Story to Real Life Situations This story is of utmost relevance to the contemporary families. The story is of colossal importance in educating the parents how to raise their children. Parents should avoid meddling in their children affairs, and should only provide guidelines to them. Today’s generation is vibrant, and parents should learn the consequences of interfering with their children rights. There are several means to solve family issues. This will help the family in avoiding a repeat of behavior that may cause family divisions. The best solution to the sought of problems faced by Chris family should be letting the children make their own decisions. Parents must cease from dictating their children what to do. They should only act as a source of guidance to whatever their children wish to attain in life. Parents should engage their kids in discussion involving the issues affecting their kids. In conclusion, it is clear that in contemporary society, parents cannot continue to dictate their children on what to do therefore they should give them freedom to choose what to do and only provide the necessary guidance. Children should also be respectful to their parents to avoid falling in the same fate as McCandless.