Connection paragraphs

In the two quotes at the start of Krakauer's essay, we are presented with two similar views towards the wilderness and its lack of appeal in human society. Estwick Evans speaks of "divesting [himself] of the factitious habits, prejudices and imperfections of civilization" (344) implaying an inability to escape from those notions while apart of the human society. Feeling the negativity from the civilization, Evans seeks the "western wilds" for the "pleasure of suffering and the novelty of danger' (344). The idea of seeking danger could be seen as a thrill for Evans, otherwise stating his boredom of the human world and what it currently entails. instead Evan's wishes to experience new exciting things that he has not had the opportunity to experience in civilization. We can that Roderick Nash sets up a similar argument from his very first line where he states that the
wilderness appealed to those who are bored or disgusted with man and his works" (344). Similar to Evans, Nash believes the wilderness to be ideal for those bored with the typical everyday life and a way to seek excitement. He also believes it ideal for the "romantic individual" who is obsessed with "his own soul" (344). This appears to be a belief that the wild is an ideal setting for one who loves himself and his own work and would therefore greatly appreciate time alone with only himself to depend upon. Having the freedom to do what he wishes, he will have to face the dangers of the wild by himself and will have no one to depend upon for help but himself. For it is only in the wilderness than man can truly come to test him self-worth and how capable he is without depending upon his surrounding human civilization.