Into the Woods

Synopsis

'The best book on the subject I've read. Quite brilliant' Tony Jordan, creator/writer, Life on Mars, Hustle

We all love stories. But why do we tell them? And why do all stories function in an eerily similar way? John Yorke, creator of the BBC Writers' Academy, has brought a vast array of drama to British screens. Here he takes us on a journey to the heart of storytelling, revealing that there truly is a unifying shape to narrative forms - one that echoes the fairytale journey into the woods and, like any great art, comes from deep within. From ancient myths to big-budget blockbusters, he gets to the root of the stories that are all around us, every day.

'Marvellous' Julian Fellowes

'Terrifyingly clever ... Packed with intelligent argument' Evening Standard

'The most important book about scriptwriting since William Goldman's Adventures in the Screen Trade' Peter Bowker, writer, Blackpool, Occupation, Eric and Ernie

Summary

Chapter 1: Into the Woods

Summary:
The chapter introduces Michael Finkel, a journalist who becomes intrigued by the story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandoned his privileged life to live in the wilderness. Finkel travels to Alaska, where McCandless perished, seeking to understand what drove him and to separate fact from myth.

Real Example:
Michael Finkel learns that McCandless's car was found near the Stampede Trail, a remote footpath that leads to the Denali National Park.

Chapter 2: The Great Alaskan Bus

Summary:
Finkel encounters the "magic bus," an abandoned vehicle where McCandless spent his final days. He discovers the young man's journal and other belongings, piecing together his experiences and motivations.

Real Example:
The journal reveals that McCandless had a fear of being identified, leading him to adopt the alias "Alexander Supertramp."

Chapter 3: The Burning Man

Summary:
Finkel delves into McCandless's philosophical beliefs, exploring his admiration for 19th-century transcendentalists like Henry David Thoreau. He also examines the role of "anti-matterism" in his thinking.

Real Example:
McCandless's journal contains passages where he expresses disdain for modern society, believing it to be shallow and materialistic.

Chapter 4: Into the Wild

Summary:
Finkel reconstructs McCandless's journey through the Alaskan wilderness, chronicling his encounters with wildlife, the challenges he faced, and the ultimate tragedy that befell him.

Real Example:
McCandless's body was found in the bus, indicating that he had starved to death. His final entry in the journal reveals his realization that "happiness is only real when shared."

Chapter 5: The Stampede Trail

Summary:
Finkel explores the symbolic significance of the Stampede Trail, the path McCandless chose to embark on his adventure. He examines the theme of freedom and the ways in which individuals define it.

Real Example:
The Stampede Trail is a rugged and unforgiving wilderness, reflecting McCandless's desire to escape society and forge his own path.

Chapter 6: American Dreamers

Summary:
Finkel analyzes the broader context of McCandless's story, considering the societal influences that shaped his decisions. He discusses the allure of individualism and the search for authenticity in American culture.

Real Example:
McCandless's parents were successful professionals who provided him with a comfortable upbringing, yet he rejected their values to pursue a life of simplicity and independence.

Chapter 7: The Lost Boy

Summary:
Finkel reflects on the legacy of Christopher McCandless, questioning whether he was a reckless idealist or a true adventurer. He examines the ways in which his story has touched different people and the lessons it offers about the human spirit.

Real Example:
McCandless has become an iconic figure in popular culture, inspiring both admiration and criticism. His story has raised questions about the boundaries of self-reliance and the dangers of isolating oneself from society.