It should not be denied... that being footloose has always
exhilarated us. It is associated in our minds with escape
from history and oppression and law and irksome
obligations, with absolute freedom, and the road has
always led west.
-Wallace Stegner, The American West as Living Space
A. To reflect the need for people to escape oppression and slavery
B. To explain that McCandless's desire was not unique
C. To incorporate his own love of a variety of authors
D. To describe the necessity for all people to explore the West
