Into the Wild: A Reflection on the Wilderness Narrative

Throughout American history, the idea of wilderness has evolved alongside cultural, political, and social movements. Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild offers a modern retelling of the longstanding American mythos surrounding wilderness. McCandless’ journey into the Alaskan wild reflects a narrative deeply rooted in American history. But how does it fit within the broader historical context of wilderness from the 19th century to today?

19th Century: Wilderness and the American Conservation Movement

In the late 19th century, wilderness became idealized as a symbol of purity and escape from modern civilization. Figures like John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt championed the preservation of vast natural landscapes, leading to the establishment of the national park system, starting with Yellowstone in 1872. However, this movement came with the forced displacement of Indigenous peoples who were removed from Yellowstone to clear the land for preservation purposes. The creation of national parks like Yellowstone reflected broader colonialist policies that removed Indigenous populations from lands that were then marketed as pristine and untouched wilderness.

During this period, wilderness was increasingly viewed as a place for white men to encounter personal transformation through rugged individualism. Roderick Nash argued that wilderness appreciation became a national “cult” during this time, with wilderness being valued for its perceived isolation from human influence.

For a deeper dive into how different cultural and historical contexts shape the concept of wilderness, you can read our article, “Different Understandings of the term ‘Wilderness’,” which explores perspectives from Indigenous, legal, and post-colonial views on wilderness. It offers a more inclusive look at how wilderness has been perceived and managed across time and cultures.

Early 20th Century: Wilderness, Politics, and Identity

The early 20th century saw wilderness become central to American identity, driven by rugged individualism and national pride. Influenced by figures like Henry David Thoreau and Theodore Roosevelt, wilderness was promoted as a space where Americans could reconnect with their roots. This idea became institutionalized with the Wilderness Act of 1964, which defined wilderness as lands “where man himself is a visitor who does not remain“.

This law reflected the growing belief that wilderness should remain “pure” and undisturbed by human development, an idea that would later influence Chris McCandless’ journey into the wild.

Late 20th Century: Wilderness as Personal Escape

Chris McCandless’ journey into the Alaskan wilderness in 1992, popularized by Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild, epitomizes the modern narrative of wilderness as a place of personal escape and self-discovery. Like Thoreau before him, McCandless sought solitude in nature as a way to disconnect from the complexities of modern society. However, McCandless’ tragic death also highlights the dangers of romanticizing wilderness as a space completely separate from human influence, a concept that has persisted since the 19th century.

McCandless’ decision to live in the “Magic Bus” has inspired many adventurers to follow in his footsteps, often with dangerous consequences. The Alaska National Guard had to relocate the bus due to the risks posed to people trying to recreate McCandless’ experience.

The 21st Century: Rethinking Wilderness

Today, scholars like William Cronon critique the concept of wilderness as a pristine, untouched space. Cronon argues that this idea ignores the significant role that humans, particularly Indigenous peoples, have played in shaping these landscapes. As modern environmentalism evolves, there is a growing movement to acknowledge the interconnectedness between humans and nature, rather than viewing wilderness as something separate from human influence.

The appointments of Deb Haaland as Secretary of the Interior and Charles Sams as Director of the National Park Service reflect a shift toward recognizing Indigenous knowledge and their role in managing public lands.

Conclusion

Chris McCandless’ story represents a modern reflection of the “man versus wilderness” narrative, one that has shaped American understandings of nature for centuries. However, as public discourse shifts, there is increasing recognition that wilderness is not just a place for individual discovery but a shared ecosystem where humans and nature are deeply intertwined. The future of wilderness will require a more inclusive approach, acknowledging its complex history and the people who have always been a part of it.