Second 500

            A constant idea that is referenced throughout the entire story Notes from the Underground, is the concept that there are these great “walls” that exist in our and most likely every society that exists in this universe.  These walls stem from the fact that humans as a species do not have all the answers to the big questions.  Where we came from, how the universe came into existence, is there life beyond the stars, does a god exist, is life after death real; these are all questions we cannot answer.  To dwell on these thoughts can be terrifying, so in order to avoid trying to answer the impossible walls are drawn up to secure our thoughts and provide a feeling of warmth and comfort where there is none.  Walls can be anything from the idea of religion and life after death, to the ideas of societal norms.  Nobody knows the truth, so in order to provide a sense of the truth walls are created.  Sal has lived his entire life in mainstream society.  He has put up with society’s wishes and desires and has confined himself to the customs that go along with living among others.  In On the Road, Sal repents society and wishes to follow his own path.  He destroys the walls of maintaining regular church attendance and family to enjoy himself and live life in the moment free from responsibility.

            Sal mentions at the very beginning “that everything is dead” (1.4).  He starts of the novel by acknowledging the fact that his life in mainstream society was getting to the point where he developed what seems like serious depression.  His solution is to try and remove himself from society and take his chances on the road.  He teams up with Dean, probably one of the most unlikeable characters considering his indifferent attitude towards Sal throughout the story.  Dean is always leaving Sal behind, never waiting for him to catch up.  According to most people, friends must be chosen wisely because they define who you are as a person.  Who you associate with often displays your interests and tendencies as a human being.  Sal backs away from this idea or wall, and recreates what societal norms are for him.  Rather than be caught up trying to make a way in a career or build up a contact network to support his family, he chooses to befriend a crazy, juvenile delinquent who will offer him a crazy experience over a safe lifestyle.  “This is all far back, when Dean was not the way he is today, when he was a young jail kid shrouded in mystery” (1.17-18).  Dean is not your typical friend.  By throwing away his old life with his wife and a steady job, and embracing new, crazy friends with a hippie like lifestyle, he demonstrates his frustrations with society’s walls.  Sal has created for himself his own wall, a life on the road with no responsibilities or worries.