The novel, A Walk in the Woods, describes Bills Bryson’s adventures and challenging moments with his old school friend Katz as they hike along the Appalachian Trail. In the story, ‘’there is an environmental threat which composes the disease, and the wood was full of peril (Bryson). Bill is determined and curious to know and learns his new environments. On the other hand, Stephen is lazy and unprepared. Moreover, both Bill and Katz lack outdoor knowledge and experience. Therefore, they experience many difficulties on their adventure (Bryson). The target audience for this story might be persons who have an interest in hiking or nature, as well as individuals who wish to know more about the history and geology of the Appalachian Trail. New York Times describes the book as a great way to experience nature (Lehmann- Haupt). This shows how well Bryson writes to communicate the scenery and feel of the wilderness through the use of sensory imagery. However, the story is written with such skill and other literary devices that it can appeal to readers who do not have much interest in either topic. It also proves to be entertaining as the story shows two men who are out of their league and comfort zones battling against nature.
The writer’s choices of words are unique and creative for attracting his audience. For example, ‘’he suggested for more compelling reasons to go, and he decided to do it more rashly (Bryson). In addition to that, the language used by Bryson is uncomplicated. The words used create sarcasm or criticism. There are also secondary characters throughout the novel that all have some impact on their journey. From Mary Allen, who they describe as a “Chatty Cathy”, Chicken John and the security personnel who impounds Bill's car. These characters also add to the entertainment value of the novel.
Bill used his own experiences, the obstacles he encountered throughout his adventures in writing the story, in addition he used his experience to write a novel that would intrigue and attract his audience. Exaggeration is used when he speaks of the short period of time it took him to cover a long distance. He also speaks of the stubbornness of Katz along the journey. This method of writing allowed him to showcase his skills as writer. Initially Bill and Katz did not communicate well. In fact, there are instances within the beginning of the journey where Bill was travelling ahead and Katz was far behind. In one instance Bill had lost sight of Katz for a while due to their poor communication. The men were able to communicate better as the journey progressed. This helps to bring out one of the main themes running throughout the story; perseverance.
Even though they decided to stop before the end of the journey, the two men faced physical and mental challenges that they were able to overcome. Going into the hike Bryson was aware of the challenge ahead. He was optimistic but was mindful of the challenge. This is evident when Bryson says “this wouldn’t be so bad I told myself, but secretly I knew I was quite wrong” (Bryson). It would appear from this sentence that Bill was already aware that the task he had had decided to carry out was not as easily attainable as he thought. The story shows two men who have different outlooks on life and the hike itself. It also shows two men who are at different stages in life. Katz is an unmarried recovering alcoholic who initially finds the hike pointless and tiring. Bill, on the other hand, seems to be more settled in his life with his wife and kids. It is through this journey that Bill discovers that his old school friend is lonely and that this has contributed to his addiction. Katz alcoholism has caused him to have a low level of self-esteem. The hiking trip would eventually help to build his self-esteem.
Also, Katz was not health conscious as at the beginning of the trip Katz decided to pack a lot of unhealthy food. He constantly complained about the hike asking when they would get to their destination. As the story unfolds, however, there is a change in Katz as he starts to enjoy his surroundings more and attempts to eat less junk food. At one point even declining a donut offered to him (Bryson). He also became fit as a result of the walking and was no longer constantly out of breath. The same can be said of Bryson, who went on the trail to seek enjoyment and challenge himself, he too was unfit and also greatly unprepared. However, the end of their trail both men had come to appreciate and respect nature, became fit, gained experience in hiking, building a tent and they accomplished most of their goal. In essence, two men started the journey and had changed drastically by the end of it. The writer deliberately plots the story in this manner to show the effect of nature on humans as I believe this was one of the main morals of the story.
Bill and Katz were both impatient and ill-tempered. Bryson expressed this when he stated, “Gods goal was to put me with every single annoying person you can imagine” (Bryson). These sentiments were an exaggerating but also demonstrated his ill temper. Katz had the same temperament. The story stated, “You could hear the absolute vulgarity spewing from his mouth, even from far away” (Bryson). However, they soon came upon an obnoxious drunk couple. They were both forced to sit quietly while the couple ranted on the way to the hotel. This small incident showed that the men had learned some level of patience and tolerance. Bill thought of quitting the journey on many occasions he tells himself “you are not in the army” and “you don’t have to do this” (Bryson). Despite this, they forged on and only stopped when he realized that his attempt to complete the hike in one season was not reasonable.
The story symbolizes so much more than the struggles of man and nature. It is also symbolic of the struggles that persons face in their everyday life and the importance of forging on in even in the midst of self-doubt. This moral was seen throughout this novel as the men encountered many obstacles, such as; a snow storm, losing important equipment and supplies and the physical and mental struggle of the trail itself. This shows that success comes in different forms. For example, they were not able to complete the trail; on arriving home, Bill calculated that they had only covered 870 miles of 2200 (Bryson). However, they achieved other personal goals which proved more important than completing the trail.
Works Cited
Bryson, Bill. A Walk in the Woods. Toronto, Ontario: Doubleday Canada, 2012.
Haupt- Lehmann, Christopher. A Walk in the Woods': On the Trail, With Wit and Insights. The New York Times on the web. (Books) 21 May 1998.
