Chris McCandless and the famous Russian author, Leo Tolstoy share many similarities, not only through their real lives, but through their alter egos. Both Tolstoy and McCandless were born into financially sound, and in Tolstoy’s case, quite wealthy, households. They also had prominent father figures. Chris’ father, Walt, is described as being “accustomed to calling the shots. Taking control is something he does unconsciously, reflexively....when Walt talks, people listen” (105). In addition, “despite the casual attire he projects an air of authority” (104). He is even described by colleagues as brilliant. Tolstoy’s father was a respected Count of Russia, who had earned himself a military honor. For both men, these would be quite big shoes to fill. I think that they were both uncomfortable with being so financially well off and having to live up to their fathers’ reputations. They were born into a lifestyle they had no choice over, and when it wasn’t what they wanted, they created alter egos.
Chris’ alter ego, Alex Supertramp, has little to his name, but is perfectly happy that way. This is probably what Chris always wanted, but because his family had money, he felt he had to create someone else in order have the life he wanted. Chris also probably felt he had to live up to his father’s reputation, and when he instead wanted to wander through nature, he created his alter ego, where there were no expectations of him.
This also rings true for Tolstoy. His alter ego, Pierre, is an illegitimate child, who lacks a real father. This leads to his quest for self definition. This is probably what Tolstoy would have been happier with, a life where he could completely choose who he wanted to be, instead of being born into a noble Russian family that had certain expectations of him. The creation of both McCandelss’ and Tolstoy’s alter egos was probably due to their wanting something different than the lives they were born into.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Wow, that's a great connection. I definately think that part of the reason Chris invented his alter ego was to distance himself from his family, but I think he had another intention as well. I think Chris wanted to create his own identity. By using the name Alexander Supertramp, Chris could forget his previously intimate ties with society and start a new life. When working at McDonalds, Chris uses his real name. Working at McDonalds is something "Chris McCandless" might do, but "Alexander Supertramp" would never. Chris creates the identity he has always dreamed of. An identity with no societal ties.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really good connection. I never realized this connection until i read you post, but now it seems very clear that they are definately related somehow.They are both very similar in their home and families, and in their choices. They both decided to change their names and go on quests to find themselves. This connection is throughout the book and I never noticed it until now. This now makes the book alot more clear if the author was actually trying to make an alter ego for Chris. Tolstoy's role in the book makes alot more sense now.
ReplyDelete