Krakauer breaks from chronological structure by:
telling us early in the story about McCandless's childhood
describing the Alaskan setting early in the story
telling us early in the story that McCandless dies in Alaska
telling the story in the order in which things happened
telling us early in the story about McCandless's childhood
Krakauer breaks from chronological structure in "Into the Wild" by telling us early in the story about McCandless's childhood, describing the Alaskan setting early in the story, and telling us early in the story that McCandless dies in Alaska. Instead of telling the story in the order in which things happened, Krakauer includes these non-linear elements to provide background information and context to McCandless's journey and eventual tragic end.
Krakauer breaks from chronological structure in his book by telling us early in the story about McCandless's childhood, describing the Alaskan setting early in the story, and telling us early in the story that McCandless dies in Alaska. Instead of following a strictly chronological order, Krakauer chooses to present certain key pieces of information at the beginning to provide context and build anticipation for the events that unfold later on.
To understand why Krakauer made these choices, it's important to consider the narrative goals and techniques used in nonfiction storytelling. By revealing McCandless's childhood early on, Krakauer establishes a foundation for understanding his motivations and character. This information helps readers develop a deeper connection with McCandless and make sense of his actions later in the story.
Describing the Alaskan setting early on helps establish the backdrop against which McCandless's journey takes place. It sets the tone for the challenges and dangers that await him, creating a sense of foreboding. This early introduction to the setting also helps highlight the contrast between McCandless's idealistic aspirations and the harsh reality of surviving in the wilderness.
Additionally, revealing McCandless's fate early in the story adds a certain poignancy and sense of tragedy to the narrative. It creates a sense of suspense as readers are left to wonder how and why McCandless met his demise. This knowledge serves as a driving force throughout the book, urging readers to uncover the sequence of events that led to his untimely death.
Overall, by utilizing these narrative techniques, Krakauer effectively engages the reader, sets the stage for the story, and infuses it with emotional depth. Breaking from a strictly chronological structure allows him to build anticipation and create a more compelling narrative experience.