Final answer:
Chris McCandless changed his name to Alexander Supertramp to represent his new life of adventure and independence, reflecting the principles of Transcendentalism such as self-reliance and non-conformity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chris McCandless changed his name to Alexander Supertramp as a symbol of his new identity, embracing a life of adventure, independence, and non-conformity, much like the values espoused by the Transcendentalists. The term 'supertramp' suggests a person who travels extensively without a fixed home or plan, seeking to experience life fully and freely without societal restraint.
This concept is closely linked to transcendentalism, which stresses the importance of individual intuition and connection with nature over societal structures and materialism. McCandless's choice reflects the transcendental ideal of self-reliance and personal freedom.
His rejection of a conventional life and his quest for spiritual truth align with key Transcendentalist beliefs. By adopting this name, he not only identifies himself as a traveler and seeker but also pays homage to the transcendental notion of self-determined identity and personal transformation.