On the Road by Jack Kerouac

The first version of On the Road was written by Jack Kerouac in April 1951. This version, often referred to as the "Original Scroll," was typed on a continuous roll of paper (a single 120-foot-long sheet of tracing paper taped together) over a three-week period. This version was more raw and unedited compared to the later published editions that would make their way to becoming the novel version(s).

The more well-known and widely read version of On the Road was published in 1957. This edition was heavily edited from the Original Scroll version. This edition was edited by Kerouac himself and also included edits by Robert Giroux, who was the editor at Viking Press at the time. Then, it was on its way to publication. An exciting trail for what was to become the most famous novel of the Beat Generation.

Over the years, On the Road has been reprinted numerous times in various editions. Some editions include introductions or annotations that provide context and analysis of the novel's significance. The novel has been translated into multiple languages and remains a classic of American literature, letting later generations into the realms of the 1950s and the life of the legendary author who became the myth of Jack Kerouac.

In 2007, to mark the 50th anniversary of the original publication, Viking Press released a special edition called the Restored Original Scroll edition. This edition was published with Kerouac's text as he originally wrote it, without the extensive editing found in the 1957 edition. This restored edition gives readers a chance to experience the novel in its raw, unedited form as Kerouac initially conceived it.

Plot

The novel begins with Sal Paradise (based on Kerouac himself) reflecting on his life and friendships with other free-spirited individuals. Sal meets Dean Moriarty (based on Neal Cassady), a charismatic and reckless drifter who becomes his close friend and influences his desire for adventure.

Sal and Dean embark on multiple road trips across America, seeking experiences and connections with people from different backgrounds. Through their travels, Sal and Dean encounter various aspects of American culture, from jazz clubs in New York City to the landscapes of the Midwest and the West Coast.

The novel explores Sal's relationships with women and Dean's tumultuous relationships with his wives and lovers, reflecting their unconventional lifestyles. Sal and Dean engage in philosophical discussions and seek spiritual enlightenment through their experiences on the road and encounters with different people.

The novel portrays the use of drugs and alcohol by Sal, Dean, and their friends as part of their quest for freedom and self-expression. Sal and Dean's restless journey impacts the lives of those they encounter, leaving both positive and negative impressions on people who briefly enter their orbit.

Throughout the novel, Sal reflects on his personal growth, changing perspectives, and the fleeting nature of relationships formed on the road. The novel concludes with Sal reflecting on the passing of time, the transient nature of life on the road, and the enduring friendships that shaped his experiences.

Into the Book

One of the most prominent themes in the whole book is freedom and rebellion against the conformities and boxes of a normal working life. This includes the literal quest for freedom, the metaphorical ideals of freedom and the rejection of societal norms in committing the actions necessary in order to get that freedom. Sal and Dean embody a desire to break away from the expectations of mainstream society and seek freedom through travel, spontaneity, and non-conformity.

Sal and Dean's cross-country journeys reflect their yearning for liberation from conventional lifestyles. They embrace impulsiveness, spontaneity, and living in the moment as they traverse the American landscape. Dean, in particular, embodies rebellion against societal norms through his reckless behavior, multiple marriages, and disregard for consequences. This theme resonates with the Beat Generation's rejection of materialism and conformity in post-World War II America. It celebrates the freedom to explore personal identity, spirituality, and human connections outside of traditional boundaries.

“What is that feeling when you're driving away from people and they recede on the plain till you see their specks dispersing? - it's the too-huge world vaulting us, and it's good-bye. But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies.”

- On the Road by Jack Kerouac

Another huge theme is the search for meaning in life, identity and through their own sense of liberation - living life on their own terms. On the Road delves into the characters' quest for meaning in life and their search for personal identity amidst a rapidly changing world. Sal, in particular, grapples with his identity as a writer, his relationships, and his place in society. This both displaces him in society and re-places him in his own image, however flawed that image might be.

Sal's narration reflects his introspective journey as he seeks to understand himself through his experiences with Dean and other characters. Dean, meanwhile, searches for a sense of purpose and fulfillment through his relationships and constant movement. The novel explores existential themes of self-discovery, alienation, and the search for authenticity. It portrays how individuals navigate their identities in a society marked by conformity and commercialism, highlighting the tension between personal freedom and the desire for belonging.

“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life”

- On the Road by Jack Kerouac

The final theme I want to discuss is the disillusionment with the American Dream. On the Road critiques the American Dream and examines the disillusionment experienced by the characters as they confront the realities of post-war America. It questions whether the pursuit of material success and societal expectations truly lead to happiness and fulfilment.

Sal and Dean's journeys across America expose them to poverty, inequality, and the limitations of the American Dream. Their encounters with marginalized communities and individuals challenge their idealized visions of the country and its promise of prosperity. The novel reflects the disillusionment of a generation disillusioned by the conformity and materialism of 1950s America. It critiques the gap between the American Dream's promises and the harsh realities faced by those on the fringes of society, emphasising the pursuit of personal fulfilment and genuine human connections over material success.

“Soon it got dusk, a grapy dusk, a purple dusk over tangerine groves and long melon fields; the sun the color of pressed grapes, slashed with burgundy red, the fields the color of love and Spanish mysteries.”

- On the Road by Jack Kerouac

Why It's a Masterpiece

From a literary standpoint, On the Road is admired for its lyrical prose, vivid descriptions, and evocative imagery. Kerouac's ability to capture the essence of the American landscape and the human spirit through his writing contributes to its status as a masterpiece.

Kerouac's novel introduced a fresh and innovative writing style that reflected the rhythms and energy of spontaneous speech and jazz music. The prose flows in long, continuous sentences and captures the immediacy and intensity of the characters' experiences and emotions. This stream-of-consciousness narrative technique broke away from traditional narrative structures, making it a pioneering work of its time.

The novel embodies the spirit of rebellion and freedom that characterized the Beat Generation. Through the characters of Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty, Kerouac explores themes of non-conformity, spontaneity, and the rejection of societal norms. The road becomes a metaphor for liberation and self-discovery, resonating deeply with readers who were disillusioned with the materialism and conformity of post-World War II America.

On the Road had a profound impact on American culture and literature. It captured the zeitgeist of the 1950s and influenced subsequent generations of writers, musicians, and artists. The novel inspired a countercultural movement that questioned authority, celebrated individuality, and promoted alternative lifestyles. Beyond its cultural significance, the novel addresses timeless themes such as friendship, love, identity, and the search for meaning. Kerouac's exploration of these themes through vivid characters and evocative prose gives the novel a lasting impact and universal appeal.

As a quintessential work of the Beat Generation, On the Road embodies the values and attitudes of its time. It reflects the Beat philosophy of seeking authenticity, spiritual enlightenment, and meaningful human connections in a rapidly changing world. The characters' quests for meaning and identity resonate with readers across generations who grapple with similar existential questions.

Conclusion

I hope you have enjoyed this article on the great beat generation novel which basically inspired others to learn about the midst of the 20th century in which Americans were becoming displaced in their own homes. I hope this has also inspired you to read more of Kerouac's works if you have not done so already. He is one of the great writers of the 20th century and that is not without reason.

Next Week: Swann’s Way by Marcel Proust