IndexIntroductionMetaphors in Into the WildSimilar in Into the WildPersonification in Into the WildConclusionIntroductionJon Krakauer's non-fiction book Into the Wild tells the gripping story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandons his comfortable life to travel in the Alaskan wilderness. Throughout the book, Krakauer uses various forms of figurative language to enhance the reader's understanding and experience. Figurative language, such as metaphors, similes, and personification, allows Krakauer to convey complex ideas, evoke emotions, and create vivid images. This essay will explore the use of figurative language in Into the Wild and examine how it contributes to the overall meaning and impact of the book. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Metaphors in Into the Wild One of the prominent figures of speech that Krakauer employs is metaphor. Metaphors allow the author to draw connections between seemingly unrelated concepts, inviting readers to see familiar ideas in a new light. In Into the Wild, Krakauer often uses metaphors to describe nature and its power. For example, he describes the Alaskan wilderness as a “frozen, unyielding land” (Krakauer 4), emphasizing its harsh and unforgiving nature. By comparing the wilderness to a person, Krakauer creates a sense of foreboding and highlights the challenges that await McCandless. Another powerful metaphor used by Krakauer is the comparison between McCandless and a modern transcendentalist. He writes, “McCandless went into the desert not primarily to reflect on nature or the world at large but, rather, to explore the inner country of his own soul” (Krakauer 184). This metaphor suggests that McCandless sought a deeper understanding of himself and his place in the world, much like the transcendentalists of the 19th century. By using this metaphor, Krakauer implies that McCandless' journey was not merely physical but a spiritual quest for self-discovery. Similes in Into the Wild Similes are another form of figurative language used by Krakauer in Into the Wild. Similes compare two different things using “like” or “as,” allowing the reader to visualize and understand complex ideas more easily. Krakauer often uses similes to describe McCandless's physical state during his time in the wilderness. For example, he writes, “McCandless was as hungry as the squirrels in whose hiding places he dug up” (Krakauer 123). This simile conveys the extent of McCandless's hunger and emphasizes his desperate circumstances. Krakauer also uses similes to highlight the impact of the wilderness on McCandless's mental state. He describes McCandless's mind as "a sprawling landfill" (Krakauer 189), suggesting chaos and confusion within it. This simile captures the messiness of McCandless's thoughts and emotions, highlighting the toll that isolation and loneliness took on his psyche. Personification in Into the Wild Personification is another form of figurative language used by Krakauer in Into the Wild. Personification attributes human characteristics to non-human entities, giving them life and agency. Krakauer often personifies nature, presenting it as a force with its own intentions and desires. For example, he writes: "The fact that McCandless's body had been found on the bus did not surprise me. He was heading back towards the highway - his diary made it clear - and was supposed to follow the Teklanika River. Do so. But the river had other ideas" (Krakauer 189). By attributing intentions to the river, Krakauer suggests that.