What was Jan Burres's reaction to McCandless's idea of going to Alaska?

• A. Lost his mind!
• B. And wants him to call family
• C. Encouraged him strongly
• D. Warned him about dangers

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how Jan Burres responds to Chris McCandless’s bold, risky plan. Her reaction reveals a protective, pragmatic stance: she’s surprised by how seriously he treats something so dangerous and extreme, and that sense of astonishment can read as thinking he’s gone a bit off course. In the moment, her tone suggests concern and a touch of incredulity about the choice to head to Alaska, rather than pure enthusiasm or a calm warning about danger. This nuance—recognizing the danger while still caring about him—is why the reaction described as thinking he’s lost his mind fits the scene better than simply encouraging him, asking him to call family, or outright warning without that sense of disbelief.