Into the Wild: The Search Chris McCandless, the main character of Into the Wild, is searching for his true self. His numerous trials both physical and mental are proof of his determination. He felt touched by the presence of his family, so he went on a trip. For this he has been criticized by many, but who could stop him from finding out who he is? From the novel it is clear that Chris's relationship with his parents is not good. He refuses their gifts and then disappears. He had explained to his family that he was not interested in giving or receiving gifts. When his father offered to buy him a new car he was angry. He had a car and couldn't understand why his father would buy him a new one. Chris took the money his family left him for college and donated it to Oxfam which donates food to the hungry. This is ironic because Chris eventually starved to death. Many people criticize McCandless for not staying in touch with his parents and family. Chris was 22 years old. He didn't need to tell his parents anything. He was doing what he wanted, not what others wanted him to do and he was happy. They call him selfish for ignoring his parents' feelings. McCandless lived his life for himself. He wanted to be happy and this upset his parents. Wanting your own happiness is not selfish, it's your right. I don't think McCandless was trying to upset his family, he was just trying to make himself happy by doing what he wanted. One of the reasons I believe McCandless didn't stay in touch with his parents as he did with those he met along the way is because he was afraid of disapproval. His parents had never learned of his “adventures,” so he didn't want to hear them express their disapproval. The people he met along the way may not have approved of his travels, but they wouldn't tell him not to. McCandless needed those people. He needed approval, because in his mind that gave him the okay to move forward.