I had heard about this
story before in my United States history class last year. It didn't seem that interesting, just two
hippies hitchhiking their way through the U.S.
I didn't think there could be an interesting plot developed around hitchhiking
buddies in the late 1940’s. My opinion
has been reversed after the first two chapters.
Sal Paradise (the main character) narrates the story, and we experience
everything that he thinks and feels. He
is a complex character who he is very smart and intellectual, but is bored with
his current life. He likes Dean because
of Dean’s smart and adventurous spirit, connection to the open west, and slightly
crazy attitude. Everyone has had a
moment in their life in which they had an urge to go do something different and
exciting. The main character’s adventurous spirit and determined outlook on the
journey seems similar to Bilbo Baggins, the main character of The Hobbit. It feels like an action adventure movie, and
I’m along for a long ride.
I agree with Phil on his initial expectations for the book. Despite prior expectations, The characters in On the Road all have a lot of depth and each have their reasons for hitting the road and departing from social conventions. I think the comparison between Sal and Bilbo Baggins is very apt as they both depart on great adventure. Although we are yet to see if Sal's journey is "there and back again" , it has already proven to be an adventure with ups and downs.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Phil on this analysis of the first few chapters. All the characters described by Sal in these first chapters are interesting and they seem to have qualities that can make for a good story. I do not agree with Phil though on the comparison between Sal and Bilbo though. While they both embark on journeys, they have very different backstories. Bilbo, was actually scared to begin with and unwilling to leave the shire. Sal on the other hand is leaving New York and seeking adventure on his own, not because some wizard is forcing adventure upon him.
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