Snow-dusted trails, the edge of the Alaskan wilderness, and a young man with a hauntingly quiet resolve this Into the Wild Chapter 01 Quiz launches you into the final steps of Christopher McCandless’s journey. Chapter 1 introduces readers to “Alex,” a thin, determined hitchhiker with minimal gear and maximum conviction. Seen through the eyes of Jim Gallien, the last person to speak with him before he disappeared into the wild, this opening chapter establishes not only the mystery, but the tone of Jon Krakauer’s unforgettable narrative.
This quiz takes you back to that pivotal roadside encounter, testing your recall of key dialogue, descriptions, and early character impressions. It also challenges you to think critically about what isn’t said what’s withheld by McCandless, and what Krakauer leaves for readers to question. It’s more than a test of memory; it’s an invitation to interpret McCandless’s mindset and foreshadow the challenges ahead.
Before diving deeper into the story, explore what happens next by taking the Into The Wild Chapter 2 Quiz. For a comprehensive challenge, test your knowledge of the entire book with the Into The Wild Full Book Quiz.
Start the Into The Wild Chapter 01 Quiz Now
Why this Chapter 1 Quiz sets the stakes for everything that follows
The story begins not with a dramatic action scene, but with a quiet conversation in a pickup truck. This quiz unpacks the subtle tension in that moment: Gallien’s growing concern, McCandless’s calm determination, and the quiet finality in the way he walks toward the trailhead. Every question brings you deeper into this encounter and the mood it creates one of curiosity, unease, and inevitability.
You’ll explore what McCandless carried (and didn’t), what he said about his plans, and how Gallien responded. These small choices reveal bigger themes individualism, risk, idealism, and detachment—that will unfold throughout the book. This chapter is the last time McCandless is seen alive by a stranger, and this quiz ensures you notice every detail.
First impressions, gear choices, and quiet defiance
This quiz examines how Chapter 1 sets up McCandless’s character before readers know his full story. Gallien sees someone ill-equipped but intelligent, polite, and clearly driven by something more than adventure. You’ll be tested on the items McCandless brought into the wild—a .22-caliber rifle, a 10-pound bag of rice, books, and minimal clothing and what they suggest about his mindset.
Was it naivety? Confidence? Rebellion? Each answer you provide builds your understanding of the mindset that guided McCandless into one of the harshest landscapes on Earth. The quiz also touches on Gallien’s internal conflict: his attempt to warn Alex, his offer to help, and his final decision to drop him off anyway.
Fun facts and key moments from Chapter 1
- McCandless introduced himself to Gallien as “Alex,” refusing to give a last name
- He planned to live off the land for several months in the Alaskan bush
- Gallien noticed Alex’s lack of heavy boots, appropriate winter gear, or a detailed map
- Despite concerns, Gallien described McCandless as well-spoken, clean, and confident
- Gallien gave Alex rubber boots, extra food, and advice before dropping him off
- McCandless refused Gallien’s offer to buy him proper gear in Fairbanks
- The last known photo of McCandless was taken shortly after this encounter
The narrative function of Chapter 1
This quiz also explores how Krakauer structures the story. Chapter 1 doesn’t begin at the beginning—it starts near the end, then flashes back. This creates suspense and curiosity. Why is this young man walking into the Alaskan wild with almost no gear? What is he running from or toward?
You’ll be asked to consider how Krakauer builds mystery through limited information. By placing Gallien’s observations first, the reader sees McCandless as others saw him: enigmatic, idealistic, and quietly defiant. This perspective encourages critical thinking from the very first page, and the quiz helps you engage with that framing choice.
Take the quiz and trace the first footsteps into the wild
Chapter 1 is quiet, but powerful. It invites readers to lean in, observe closely, and ask hard questions about purpose, preparation, and freedom. This quiz reinforces your understanding of that moment before the headlines, before the letters, before the tragedy. It’s a chance to reconnect with the man McCandless presented to the world and begin examining the story that made him unforgettable.
Take the quiz now and test how well you remember the first chapter’s foreshadowing, mood, and mystery as Into the Wild begins its haunting journey.
Into the Wild Quizzes – The adventure continues …
What Happened – Into The Wild Chapter 1
In Chapter 1 of Into the Wild, Jim Gallien picks up a hitchhiker outside of Fairbanks, Alaska. The hitchhiker is a young man named Alex. Alex is carrying a small backpack and says he is heading into the wilderness. He wants to live off the land for a while. Gallien notices that Alex is not well-prepared for the harsh conditions. He is wearing light clothing and has little gear. Gallien offers advice about the dangers of the Alaskan wilderness. He also suggests that Alex should get better equipment. Alex declines the advice and insists he will be fine. Gallien tries to persuade him to take some of his supplies, like boots and food. Alex accepts a pair of boots and a bag of corn chips. Gallien drives Alex to the edge of Denali National Park. Before Alex leaves, he writes down his name as Alex and says he is from South Dakota. Gallien watches Alex walk down the trail and then drives away. Gallien feels uneasy about Alex’s plans but respects his decision. He later tells the story of meeting Alex to others. This encounter marks the beginning of Alex’s journey into the wild.
Into The Wild Chapter 1 – Quotes
- “I’m absolutely positive. I need your help. When you see me again, it’ll be in a couple of months.” – Chris McCandless, ‘Chris is speaking to Jim Gallien, the last person to see him before he ventures into the Alaskan wilderness.’
“Gallien asked whether McCandless had a hunting license. ‘Hell, no,’ McCandless replied. ‘How I feed myself is none of the government’s business.'” – Chris McCandless, ‘Chris expresses his disdain for government regulations and his desire for independence.’
“Alex insisted on giving Gallien his watch, his comb, and all his money: eighty-five cents in loose change.” – Narrator, ‘This shows Chris’s rejection of material possessions as he prepares for his journey.’
“Gallien thought the hitchhiker’s scheme was foolhardy and tried repeatedly to dissuade him.” – Narrator, ‘Jim Gallien expresses concern over Chris’s lack of preparation and tries to warn him.’
“‘I want to walk deep into the bush and ‘live off the land for a few months.'” – Chris McCandless, ‘Chris shares his ambitious plan to live simply and embrace nature with Gallien.’
Into The Wild Chapter 1 – FAQ
Chapter 1 of Into the Wild introduces the theme of adventure and the allure of the unknown. It sets the stage for the protagonist’s journey into the wilderness, highlighting his desire to escape societal constraints and explore the depths of nature. This theme is central to understanding the motivations behind his actions.
The primary focus in the opening chapter is on Christopher McCandless, also known by his alias, Alexander Supertramp. The chapter introduces readers to his character through descriptions of his interactions and the choices that lead him to embark on his journey into the wild.
The author sets a contemplative and mysterious tone in Chapter 1 by detailing the desolate Alaskan landscape and the introspective nature of McCandless’s quest. Through vivid descriptions and a focus on McCandless’s inner thoughts, the tone invites readers to ponder the motivations and consequences of his journey.
In the first chapter, a significant event is McCandless’s encounter with Jim Gallien, the last person to see him alive. This meeting underscores McCandless’s determination and foreshadows the challenges he will face. Gallien’s perspective provides insight into McCandless’s character and the risks he is willing to take.
The setting in Chapter 1 is crucial as it establishes the isolation and ruggedness of the Alaskan wilderness. This backdrop emphasizes the stark contrast between McCandless’s idealism and the harsh realities of nature. The setting serves as both a physical and symbolic landscape for his journey, highlighting the themes of survival and self-discovery.