This narrative is still popular 20 years after Chris McCandless’ death. What makes this narrative one that endures? Would this narrative endure if Chris had lived? Why or why not?

Yeah Chris was this counterculture adventurer that people find both fascinating and refreshing. Our culture shows no signs of slowing down its obsession with money and superficial desire. Chris turned his back on much of what shackles us to artificial desire. He looked for truth and lived for the moment. Chris also fascinates us because he was far from perfect. The tragic irony is that most of us know what Chris finds out too late; people need other people. I think Chris's paradoxes drive generations to read this book. No, had Chris lived, he would not have had this impact. It took his tragic death to put the rest of his life in the context that people are so drawn to.