"On the Road"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the novel "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac and in particular, focuses on the character of Dean Moriarty. It seeks to discover the motivation behind this unique and vibrant individual, including psychological analysis of his character. In addition, comparisons are made between the novel and the characters of "On the Road" and many other works of 20th Century American literature.

From the Paper:

"Whereas Sal sees Dean in such a positive light, there are others who do not. Sal's Aunt calls him a "madman," and Major a "moron and a fool." This is understandable as they are older and more orthodox characters, with no comprehension of Dean as a counter-culture figure. Sal's aunt's newspaper reading seems to suggest a connection with the values of "Middle America" which would disapprove of such "renegades" as Dean. This is similar to the way in which the infamous outlaws of the West were feared due to their unpredictable and menacing nature and bohemian approach. Kerouac uses these criticisms of Dean "the embodiment of the Beat lifestyle and "ideology" " to reflect the skeptical view that many critics took to his, and fellow Beat authors' writings and lifestyles. To relate this to Cassady, he was a member of the Beat Generation along with Kerouac, Ginsberg and Burroughs "a small group of close friends at first who became a movement later on. Many critics labeled them juvenile delinquents, determined to destroy conventional literature and morality."

More papers on "On the Road":

• Book Review # 73933 : "On the Road"
• Analytical Essay # 71757 : "Jack Kerouac's "On The Road"
• Analytical Essay # 5559 : "On The Road"

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