changes?

I believe Chris may have tried to change people's lives but would have probably been humble about sharing his story. The only reason his story was so famous was because he did not make it. Just like the other men that are famous for not making it out alive. Krakauer is not known for making it out alive... If Chris made it out alive, he definitely would have contacted his parents because after he experienced the most joyful part of life, he was ready to go back to civilization. He would most likely tell them he is sorry for leaving with no notice but that it was something he needed to do. I feel like he would have continued his schooling since he was so good at it and enjoyed gaining more intellect. Overall, I think if Chris would have made it out alive, his story would not have been as believable and therefore nowhere as near as famous.

ignorance is (not so) bliss

Although McCandless wanted to be secluded from society in a place he believed to be uncharted, he should have at least been prepared to change his mind. I think he could have achieved the same exact adventure by bringing the necessary tools for survival even if he did not acknowledge that he had them until he needed them. In case of an emergency, in which he did get himself into, a map would have saved his life. If only he knew that he could have crossed the river or found shelter if he had walked 6 miles from the bus. Even in the condition he was in, the trip would have been possible. Krakauer's method of informing the reader about the possibilities of Chris surviving argues for the people that say that he was an ignorant kid that got himself in over his head. I am still on the side arguing for Chris but these chapters made my position seem weaker. Something as simple as a map would have saved McCandless, and he would have been able to tell his story in person, rather than journal entries.

SEINFELD

I have chosen to write my research paper on how Seinfeld has made a connection to American culture in a way that relates the ideas in the show to everyday people's lives. Seinfeld is different from other shows because there's never really a point trying to get across... it's the show about "nothing." Other shows always try to represent a certain kind of life lesson, but Seinfeld just portrays normal activities that happen in a lot of people's lives. The main idea I will be trying to represent in my research paper will be how relationships were looked at in Seinfeld and how the differences between men and women in certain situations are viewed. Then I will compare to how much the same it is in modern day America compared to over 10 years ago.

Bringing attention to the reader

I think it was a good idea to incorporate Krakauer's personal story because it gives another example of what Chris' story is trying to represent. His story allows me to understand why McCandless did what he did more clearly. My opinion that Chris was a brave young man that believed in what he thought was right became stronger after Krakauer shared what his reasons were. Krakauer and McCandless had a lot in common in the way they thought about life and what they felt they needed to do to be happy. The only difference is that Krakauer survived and Chris met an unfortunate death.

response to group D's prompt

One song that means a lot to me is "Get Up Stand Up" by Bob Marley partly because he is my favorite artist, but mostly because the lyrics inspire me. "Stand up for your rights" and "don't give up the fight" are specific lyrics that make me imagine standing up for what you believe in and to never back down or get discouraged. The song talks about how most people think they can rely on someone else to take care of their problems and eventually there will be a solution, but the point is to take action for yourself. When I listen to it, I feel the urge to be the best person I can be and put my skills to use wherever I can.

Group C response

I think the most effective form of rhetoric is pathos because it really connects with the reader. The emotional aspect is the most important to most readers so having a strong pathos aspect in your writing can really help persuade people. Jon Krakauer seems to rely on pathos the most just because he wants the reader to be on Chris' side. The emotion he puts into his writing makes you want to believe that Chris is a good smart kid that was not crazy. The way Krakauer tells McCandless' story make me wish he wouldn't have died.

Gallien Response

I don't think Gallien was too worried about Chris. Every time he would try to offer something to him, Chris would have a comeback to assure the man he would be alright. Chris made Gallien believe there was no reason to be concerned. Also, Gallien mentions that any sane man would just walk back out to the highway if they got hungry enough. Gallien had the chance to notify the police but maybe he just wanted Chris to have his fun since he was so serious about what he was doing. Even though Chris had little to no supplies and no real experience, Gallien truly thought he'd be ok. I think Gallien dreamed of going into the wild himself and therefore felt what Chris was thinking and that is why he did not notify the police.