Intertextual Analysis: Frankenstein & Into the Wild Clips

Victor and Chris set out on similar journeys, endeavoring to fulfill their desires. Although both characters have good intentions, they soon learn that one cannot live alone for so long. Chris believed that one must face the depth of the sea alone only with one's hands and head. He followed his belief and ended up realizing that "happiness is only real when shared." Victor also discovered the power of sharing happiness with another when Henry came to visit him. It was because of Henry that Victor recovered from his illness. When Henry brought Victor on the walk, Victor realized what he missed during his years in isolation: "I became the same happy creature who [...] loved and beloved by all, had no sorrow or care. When happy, inanimate nature had the power of bestowing on me the most delightful sensations" (Shelley 45). The two characters share the same spiritual connection with nature. Similar to Victor's love of nature, Chris mentions that the sea gives one the chance to feel strong. Sunshine also reminded him of happiness and his past. Unfortunately, the two men eventually hit rock bottom. Victor comes to the realization that all the "dreams that had been [his] food and pleasant rest for so long a space were now [...] hell to [him]" (36). Chris also ends up getting sick, depressed, and even begins to bleed within his body. Eventually, he dies an extremely sorrowful death. Fortunately, Victor had Henry to rejuvenate him, or else, he too could have ended his life in the same way.