How did Franz and McCandless part company?

• A. McCandless said he was earning more money and moving to San Diego and he did not allow Franz to drive him
• B. They argued and went separate ways
• C. Franz forced McCandless to leave
• D. They traveled together to Alaska and then parted ways

Answer: (A)

This question is about using independence to drive how a relationship fades on the road. McCandless’s parting from Ronald Franz comes from a clear move to continue his journey on his own terms. He tells Franz that he’s going to earn his own money and relocate, signaling that he intends to press forward without relying on Franz or accepting help like a ride. By making that choice and not allowing Franz to drive him, he asserts autonomy and commitment to his plan, which is a recurring pattern for him: pursue the path he has chosen, even if it means leaving behind people who care about him.

That’s why this option fits best: it directly shows McCandless’s emphasis on self-reliance and his decision to proceed independently. The other scenarios—an argument, being forced to leave, or traveling together and then parting later—don’t align with the moment described, where the emphasis is on McCandless asserting his own direction and ending the interaction on his terms.