Style Analysis #3: Writing Style part 2

Although Krakauer keeps his distance from the content for much of the book, during the latter parts he incorporates some emotion into the story in order to develop key themes and ideas. In fact, in the foreword Krakauer admits that "a dispassionate rendering of the tragedy [would be] impossible" (2) for him to write.

Krakauer recalls his own youthful assault on a notorious Alaskan peak, in the hope that drawing a parallel would help the reader understand McCandless's motives and ideals. He describes his long time obsession with reaching the summit as paramount to any potential fatal consequences. McCandless was all too similar, so transfixed by his romanticized idea of a panacean wilderness that he chose to face death head-on.