What is Krakauer's most likely purpose in using the following epigraph?
We have in America "The Big Two-Hearted River" tradition: taking your wounds to the wilderness for a cure, a conversation, a rest, or whatever. And as in the Hemingway story, if your wounds aren't too bad, it works. But this isn't Michigan . . . This is Alaska.
–Edward Hoagland, "Up the Black to Chalkyitsik"
A.
To reference important authors, such as Ernest Hemingway
B.
To highlight the American desire to go into the wilderness
C.
To provide a connection between Hoagland and McCandless
D.
To point out the danger in seeking solace in the wilderness
C.
To provide a connection between Hoagland and McCandless
The most likely purpose for Krakauer to use this epigraph is:
C. To provide a connection between Hoagland and McCandless
To determine the purpose, we can analyze the content of the epigraph itself. The epigraph mentions "The Big Two-Hearted River" tradition, which refers to a short story by Ernest Hemingway. This suggests option A, referencing important authors like Hemingway, could be a possibility.
However, the epigraph then goes on to mention the difference between being in Michigan and Alaska, emphasizing that "this is Alaska." This statement points towards option B, highlighting the American desire to go into the wilderness.
Finally, it is important to note that the epigraph is attributed to Edward Hoagland, not Hemingway. This connection to Hoagland potentially serves the purpose of option C, providing a connection between Hoagland and McCandless.
Option D could also be considered, as the epigraph contrasts the idea of seeking solace in the wilderness in Michigan (where it works if the wounds aren't too bad) with the warning that "This is Alaska" - possibly suggesting the dangers of seeking solace in the Alaskan wilderness. However, this is less directly implied in the epigraph compared to option C.
Considering the overall context and meaning of the epigraph, it is most likely that Krakauer's purpose in using it is to provide a connection between Hoagland and McCandless (option C).