Final answer:
The question asks about the individuals Chris McCandless encountered on his journey, as depicted in Jon Krakauer's book 'Into the Wild'. While specific names aren't provided, these encounters are crucial in understanding McCandless's pursuit of solitude and are thematically comparable to Henry David Thoreau's 'Walden.'
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is inquiring about the individuals Christopher McCandless encountered during his journey, which is detailed in Jon Krakauer's book Into the Wild. McCandless met various people while he traveled across North America before reaching his final destination in Alaska.
While the question does not ask for specific names, in Jon Krakauer's narrative, McCandless's interactions with others are significant as they highlight the various human behaviors and the solitude McCandless sought. Krakauer's account compares in theme to Henry David Thoreau's Walden, exploring the concept of solitude and the complexity of human relationships within American society.
As Krakauer documents, McCandless's journey included encounters that shaped his adventure and provided him with the means and knowledge to survive. The people he met along the way were both part of the society he wished to escape and integral to his experience of solitary life.
Other works that examine solitary existence and human behavior include George Catlin's extensive journey to document Native American cultures and the expeditions of Lewis and Clark, who also met various native tribes and faced numerous challenges during their exploration of the American continent.