What did Gallien give McCandless?

• A. Phone number
• B. Rubber boots
• C. Plus the food Gallien's wife made for him
• D. A map of the area

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is how a chance meeting reveals practical help and a moment of human connection in the midst of a wish for rugged self-reliance. Gallien’s offer to McCandless is to lend him rubber boots, a simple, concrete piece of gear that would make a dangerous stretch in Alaska more survivable. This small gift shows Gallien’s thoughtful, down‑to‑earth approach: he respects McCandless’s dream but also recognizes the real risks and lends him what he can to keep him safe.

So, the rubber boots are the best answer because they represent a practical, tangible aid given in the moment. They contrast with McCandless’s ideal of independence by illustrating how someone’s help—no matter how modest—can play a crucial role in a lone traveler’s journey. The other items aren’t what Gallien ends up giving, so they don’t fit with what’s actually described in the scene.