“I think that Chris McCandless was bright and ignorant at the same time. He had no common sense, and he had no business going into Alaska with his romantic silliness. He made a lot of mistakes based on arrogance. I don’t admire him at all for his courage nor his noble ideas. Really, I think he was just plain crazy.” –Shaun 

Thirty minute practice essay...Write an essay in which you refute, support or qualify Shaun's statements about McCandless.

HW: 176-186

“Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them.” 
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Something to think about as you read: Does Emerson's quote apply to McCandless? In your opinion, is McCandless brave or is he just naive about the risks he is facing?