Part 2 Chapters 1&2

            In the next section of the book, Sal finally finds his way back home.  He returns to the east coast, clearly tired of the constant running around and barely making enough to feed himself.  His long relationship with Terry has obviously left him empty, and for the first time Sal seems to want to slow down rather than speed it up.  Yet, even with the thought of finding a wife on his mind, he still manages to get out on the road again with Dean Moriarty.  Dean seems to have some sort of effect on Sal that makes Sal crave the experience of a journey with no real end or destination in sight.  I would like to see if Sal’s attitude changes toward Dean, as it seems that Sal’s love and passion for being on the road is changing. 

            In the first two chapters of part 2, we finally get to meet Sal’s extended family for the first time.  His family is extremely spread out, and not very close.  He barely makes conversation with any of his family members, and immediately leaves with Dean as soon as he shows up.  Once again, Sal shows his obsession for Dean.  This runs true to the character of Sal, who isn't really extremely close to his friends.  Sal’s friends are spread out, and he doesn't maintain contact with many of them.  Dean is everything that Sal isn’t, and it is for this reason why I believe Sal enjoys Dean’s company so much.  Opposites attract, and I think this is why they are friends.  But for the first time, we see Sal show some disinterest in Dean’s amazing idea to race around the country again.  My guess is Sal is going to follow Dean once again, but this time he will find a girl he can actually stay with.  So far every girl he has met has either been a very short term relationship, or simply unable to stay with him due to family or some other obligation.  His change in attitude at the end of chapter 2 is a sign that the books plot is going to change soon also.  I don’t think Sal, being educated and bright, is the kind of guy that wants to spend the rest of his life as a manual laborer and hitchhiker.  It’s a good form of escapism now, but eventually the fun of it will dry up.