Chapter 14, The Stikine Ice Cap Summary and Analysis

The quotes preceding Chapter 14 discuss the intense euphoria of mountain climbing. Krakauer addresses the fatalistic, melodramatic tone of McCandless's final postcard to Wayne Westerberg. The postcard has caused many people to believe McCandless intended to die in Alaska, but Krakauer believes his death was an unplanned accident. His insight into McCandless's intentions stems from his own youthful experiences. Krakauer describes his younger self as reckless, moody, stubborn and self-centered. Krakauer had a difficult relationship with his father, and he often vacillated between a desire to please his father and a contrasting desire to rebel against him. Krakauer developed an obsession with mountain climbing that lasted a decade. His free hours were devoted to planning and dreaming of new climbing challenges. Krakauer believes that this obsession helped guide him through the confusion of his...