Final answer:
Ronald Franz loses his faith and turns to drinking after being profoundly affected by Chris McCandless's death in 'Into the Wild'.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Jon Krakauer's narrative nonfiction work Into the Wild, the character Ronald Franz experiences a significant transformation towards the end of the book. After forming a close relationship with the protagonist, Chris McCandless, Franz is deeply affected by McCandless's untimely death.
Upon learning of McCandless's demise, Franz, who previously found solace in religion, becomes disillusioned and loses his faith.
He resorts to drinking, which he had given up many years before, as a means to cope with his grief. This illustrates the profound impact McCandless had on the individuals he encountered during his journey toward a life of purpose and solitude akin to Henry David Thoreau's in Walden.