The epigraphs in "Into the Wild," a book by Jon Krakauer, serve to set the tone and provide insight into the themes of the novel. An epigraph is a quote or passage that is placed at the beginning of a literary work and serves as an introduction or preface to the main text. In "Into the Wild," Krakauer uses epigraphs from various sources, including poems, songs, and philosophical texts, to provide context and depth to the story of Chris McCandless, a young man who ventured into the Alaskan wilderness in search of adventure and meaning.
One of the most notable epigraphs in "Into the Wild" is a quote from the poem "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London. This quote, which reads "I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet," speaks to the theme of individualism and the desire for freedom and self-expression. Chris McCandless, the protagonist of the story, embodies this spirit of individualism and self-reliance as he rejects the constraints of society and sets out on his own journey.
Another epigraph that resonates throughout the novel is a quote from the song "The Wanderer" by Dion. This quote, which reads "I roam from town to town, to city, to village, to ground, searching for something, I cannot define," speaks to the theme of wandering and the search for meaning. Chris McCandless is a wanderer in the truest sense of the word, traveling across the country and eventually making his way to Alaska in search of a more authentic and fulfilling life.
In addition to these epigraphs, "Into the Wild" also includes quotes from philosophers such as Thoreau and Tolstoy, whose writings on individualism and the search for meaning provide further context and depth to the story.
Overall, the epigraphs in "Into the Wild" serve to introduce and illuminate the themes of individualism, freedom, and the search for meaning that are central to the story of Chris McCandless. These quotes provide insight into the motivations and desires of the protagonist and help to set the tone for the novel as a whole.