Epilogue

Though the epilogue in Into the Wild was very short, it was also extremely important. How did the epilogue change your opinion or attitude toward Christopher's family after their reactions to visiting the bus in Alaska? Also, if you were in the parents situation, would you also want to visit the bus? Why or why not?

The epilogue did not change my opinion at all about Chris' parents. It only confirmed what I already knew. Earlier in the book the parents expressed deep remorse for the death of their son. Burying your own son is probably the single most awful thing a parent has to do. Chris' father hadn't any desire to visit the bus at first. But eventually he and Chris' eager mother ventured into the Alaskan tundra to visit the location where Chris expired. After all the years of wondering why Chris had abandoned his family that offered nothing but care and love things finally became clear to them. Walt even admitted that he could see how Alaska would appeal to Chris. Chris' mother couldn't get over how beautiful the scenery was. This epilogue made me very sad, however. If Chris were my son, I would not want to see the bus he starved to death in. But I would go anyway because not going would eat at my conscious for the rest of my life. It is important to overcome the tragedy and get some closure.