Just like in Shapiro's lecture, Sal is on the run from society; in fact, the entire beatnik generation is. The defining factor of the Beat Generation was the yearn to break away from the strict, standard lifestyle of Americans in the 1940's. Sal's wife and aunt represent the pillar of family. In the very first pages of the book, Sal has just concluded a divorce with his wife; the first broken shackle that allows him to venture out on the road. His aunt, however, still subsidizes him throughout his journey, showing that he still needs her for support and can't truly break away from this pillar. The Church is represented by the ideas of monogamy and faithfulness, which Sal completely abandons. On his journeys, he is constantly sleeping with the random women he meets, despite the idea that promiscuity was a sin. However, he still yearns for marriage one day, shaking that he is still drawn in by the lull of society. The State is represented by Sal's position. The State is supposed to represent protection and supprt, but because Sal has chosen to break off from being a contributing part of society, he faces hardships such as exhaustion, famine, and lack of shelter.
How are women portrayed in On the Road? What does this image say about the time period?
The description of women in Kerouac's novel is consistent. They are only referred to in regard to their physical appearance, and never in reference to any intellect. Based on Karouac's intellect, they might as well have had no intelligence at all. To Sal and Dean, they are just disposable objects to be used for sex, temporary companionship, and 'kicks'. It would be interesting to hear this story from Mary Lou or Camile's perspective because I'm would bet money that their portrayal would be much less thrilling and enjoyable; in fact, it would be a depressing read. By this time, women had already earned the right to vote, and the women's rights movement was still in full flight; however, even now, women are not viewed equally in society. This book was written 70 years ago.
What are Dean, Sal, and the rest of the beats looking for? What is 'IT'? Do you think they will ever find it?
What the beats are looking for is simple, yet so complex at the same time: purpose. All these long days and nights on the road, traveling the country back and forth til they knew it like the back got their hand; it is all to find a purpose. When you think about it, it made sense why so many people from this time period were becoming so disenchanted with America. America was highly industrialized at this point, and many Americans grew up to become businessmen working in offices and cubicles, doing the same monotonous jobs every day, watching the happiness being sucked out of their lives. The full nature of life made them question their purpose, and the typical route to the American Dream just wasn't cutting it. Therefore, the beats went out on to the road, trying to find something to quench their thirst for answers. I don't think they'll ever find their purpose, because they do not know what they're looking for. They will find their purpose once they settle down and stop looking for it; as the saying goes, when you're not looking for something, it slaps you in the face.
Describe Dean and Sal's relationship. Is Sal foolish to stick with Dean so long?
For a while, I saw Sal as Deans little bitch, following Dean around the country like a faithful dog. I saw their relationship as one-sided, with Dean using Sal whenever he needed. However, I soon realized that Sal was using Dean throughout the entire book as well, maybe even more so than Dean used Sal. Sal used Dean to change his life. At times, I was frustrated with Sal. How could he not see Dean for the maniacal lunatic that was so clearly viewed by everyone else? Why couldn't he understand that Dean was a plague to his well being, and move on? This book taught me a lesson. Happiness is relative. What is good for one person isn't necessarily good for another, and vice versa. Everyone (including me) judged Sal for the life he chose to live after his divorce, and the company he tried to keep; however, if he is happy, that is all that should matter. It's his life, and only he has to Iive it. We get so caught up in trying to determine what is best for others, when we should focus more in what is best for ourselves. If Sal was happy, then that's all there is to it.
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