Part 1

         This tale is very different from any of the others I have read. As the tale begins I wonder why the narrator (Sal) seems so solemn. Are we supposed to see him as a victim or as a moper? He seems to lead a pretty boring and depressed life, but it appears to be missing that electric spark to make it interesting and worthwhile. That's where Dean Moriarty comes into play. He has recently been released from reform school and married Marylou, a pretty "dumb blond" from Denver. His madness entices Sal to spend some time with Dean. They end up heading west and Sal is excited that his life will not be as boring and meaningless as it was. At one point he says he is halfway across America, "at the dividing line between the East of my youth and the West of my future."I feel that he is reflecting on his idea that he's moving forward with his life and there's nothing to stop him. Sal knows that Dean may disappoint or desert him along the way, but he still cares about him and goes along for the adventure anyways.

        As Sal is beginning his journey west, his attitude changes slightly and you begin to see him open up a little, and bleed some emotion into the pages of the book. The author seems to elongate this section of the story because of the constant and never-ending sights to see. He also seems to use many superlatives due to his high levels of excitement. Someone like Sal seems to be easily overwhelmed and the recklessness of their journey west and the sights before him almost send him into shock.

        As the common phrase goes "2 is company, 3 is a party" and this interesting assortment of people become well acquainted and eventually become friends. Sal, being the quiet, pacifist takes on the role of an observer due to his lack of drawing any conclusion in any situation. He merely watches, not offering any end to a problem, just pointing out the things about the situation (not the guy from Jersey Shore).

        Sal decides to leave San Fran. because it's, apparently, driving him crazy, but he doesn't want his adventure to end because he realizes how much there really is out there and that he doesn't want to go back home yet. Or is he trying to run away from his good times so that he may not be disappointed? This is something I can relate to because I too fear disappointment. The one thing Sal really seemed to like out there was the woman he met named Terry who he "spends the night with" and becomes very close to. I think that this is good for Sal because he needs a companion, everyone does, and the fact that this companion is of the opposite gender, adds a new perspective to ideas.

        The narrator tries to live in the moment and suspends judgement in an attempt to get more out of life. He and Terry split up and Sal makes his way back to New York. On his way back he makes sure to note the beautiful scenery before he is back in the city full of smog and buildings and few trees. There will be no natural beauty, just man made which makes him almost as solemn as he was in the beginning. Has he changed or will he return to his old way of life?