What clues did McCandless give that he was out of step with the commercialism of contemporary society?

• A. He embraced consumerism and gifts.
• B. He refused to buy or receive gifts and argued with his parents over the commercialism; he believed titles and honors were irrelevant; he lived off campus in bad conditions.
• C. He joined a corporate mentorship program.
• D. He started a philanthropic campaign to promote material wealth.

Answer: (B)

This question tests recognizing how McCandless signals his rejection of consumer culture. The clues lie in his deliberate stance against material wealth and social status: he refuses to buy or accept gifts, challenges his parents about the pervasiveness of commercialism, argues that titles and honors are meaningless, and chooses an austere, off-campus lifestyle. Together, these actions show him opting out of a society centered on possessions, status, and consumer rewards in favor of independence, authenticity, and a simpler life. The other options describe behaviors that would align with embracing or promoting materialism, which is exactly the opposite of what his actions convey.