6

#6

It’s funny how many people, including myself, have amorously taken interest in the journey of Jack Kerouac. Although it’s ostensible that Jack often finds himself miserable, I keep picturing myself in his position, and how much joy would be found there, as opposed to in my current place. It seems the cult of followers (referring to the beat generation) may be disregarding the fact that in the plot of On the Road, Kerouac fails to find an answer to his questions in life. Although undoubtedly there are moments of happiness, Jack ultimately fails to find fulfillment overall. The book seems to be praised by followers for the tales of wild freedom, disregarding of social expectations and willingness to explore that are described throughout the novel. These motifs make it easy for the reader to dismiss the fact that ultimately Jack found himself lost in the undeniable self-pity that brought itself throughout the culture of the pre-mainstream culture that Kerouac and his friends initiated.