Sal has finally met up with Dean in Denver, and their relationship is the same as when they were in New York, except now Sal has to depend on Dean (for girls, jobs, advice, etc.). Just like in New York, Sal follows Dean around like a lost puppy, constantly asking of Dean's whereabouts and schedules. Dean has his own hectic, frenzied life to deal with and does not have enough time or interest to deal with Sal. While Sal idolizes Dean and makes it his mission to prove that Dean is not a "moron and a fool", Dean decides that he is going to move to San Francisco with Camille and take a trip to Texas with Carlo. It is understandable that Dean would go to San Francisco with no one but his girl, but he does not even include Dean in his trip to Texas with Carlo, showing that he does not see his friendship with Sal as anything of value. I get the impression that Sal would give his life for Dean, but Dean's emotions for Sal are no more than one would have for an acquaintance.
As for Dean's progression as a character, I now view him as nothing more than a player, despite Sal's objections. He tries to make his life seems important and businesslike by always looking at his watch and having a fixed schedule of appointments, but these appointments consist of nothing but sexual encounters with three different women, and talks about life with Carlo Marx. I want to see Sal weaken his fixation on Dean and makes steps toward improvements in his own life because at this point, his life is all about other people.
I agree with Ciara about Sal's being a third wheel to Dean's social life. It is annoying to constantly watch the main character obsess over a person that cares so little for the main character. If I was Sal, and Dean hadn't invited me to go to Texas, I would be a little more than upset. Yet Sal has no problems with that, and he continues to hang out and obsess over Dean. Dean has no redeeming or interesting qualities that make him a worthwhile friend for Sal. I also have hope that Sal moves past his failed friendship with Dean and works towards finding friends who actually care about him in some way. I think Ciara is right about Sal needing to work more on self-improvement. So far, he has not tried to reflect on his experiences. If Sal slows down a bit, and reflects on his trip thus far, I think it would really help him grow as a character.
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