The author included these chapters to show that Chris wasn't alone in the goal to find "himself" in the wilderness. Some of these stories end the same way as Chris's, like "Nemo". Nemo went by that name to reflect the personality of Capt. Nemo in 20000 Leagues Under the Sea. This fit his personality better. Ironically, Nemo in real life ends up like Nemo in the book, they both disappear in strange circumstances, whether that being a desert or a Malstorm. The other outcasts like John Waterman and Carl McCunn, all die. Does anyone else see a common theme in this? Whats the point of finding yourself if you die in the pursuit?