What impact did McCandless's death have on mail to the author?

• A. It generated more mail than any article in the paper's history.
• B. It decreased mail to the author.
• C. It had no effect on mail volume.
• D. It triggered a flood of letters about his family history.

Answer: (A)

When a real-life tragedy is tied to themes like adventure, independence, and the consequences of chasing a dream, it often triggers a strong, personal response from readers. In this case, the story drew an extraordinarily large volume of mail to the author—more than any single article in the newspaper’s history. That level of reader engagement shows how deeply the event resonated with people, prompting them to share reactions, questions, and reflections about McCandless and the story. Such an overwhelming response isn’t just about interest; it reflects the impact of the narrative on public dialogue and connection with the author.