Ahh, the beat generation. I don't think their level of intellect, creativity, daring, and non-conformity can ever be matched. My generation seems apathetic and bland in comparison.
On The Road was published in 1957. At the time, America was experiencing television, Marilyn Monroe, and the civil rights movement. Kerouac's America was different. He was a young, restless writer who didn't feel like he fit in. His hitchhiking journey became an iconic novel and possibly the most memorable novel of any of the beat writers.
Sal Paradise, the main character that Kerouac modeled after himself, embarks on a trip with the intention of getting away from his dull life. Today, we might say he was trying to "find himself." He intends to drive across the country with his best friend, Dean Moriarty, and eventually see the West. They meet eclectic, unexpected people who always add drama and humor to the tale. There is friendship, love, loss, jealousy and betrayal... just like real life.
One of the best parts of the book is the poetic language that Kerouac uses. His style is a little "stream-of-consciousness," but not so much that the writing becomes confusing. This novel is more like a work of art than a book.
The story of Sal, Dean, and all the other characters they meet is not only brilliant, but moving. It made me wonder what I was doing with my life and why I hadn't driven across the country to "seize the day." What can you learn by experiencing life Kerouac's way that you simply can't in college? A lot. But since hitchhiking just isn't as safe as it used to be and we all know that a college education is important, live vicariously through Sal and learn from his
story.Jack Kerouac
1 comment:
I taught a course on American road and rail narratives once, and we read The Grapes of Wrath and On the Road back to back. I thought that students would really respond to Kerouac like I had when I was younger, but that didn't happen. They liked the more straightforward plot of GoW!
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