Comment on Gioia's Post

       Now, I also see the true purpose of Sal’s narration, as he reflects upon the Beat Generation and its attempt to escape the inescapable societal institutions.  I believe that Dean is one of the leaders of this generation and that his clan follows him “sheepishly” (pg.105) because they are in awe of his youthful rebelliousness.  I agree that the characters are lost, for they are trying to escape the societal institutions and find themselves, but they seem as if they are just aimlessly wandering throughout the country.  I do not believe that the characters can escape these institutions, as we are constantly reminded when Sal’s aunt has to pay the fifteen dollars when they get pulled over, when they assure themselves that “God exists” (pg.111) and when they pay twenty-five dollars to the cop when Ed Dunkel recklessly drives.  These scenarios prove continuous failures at escaping the institutions of family, church and state.  I agree that there is a possibility that Sal is an observer and is fascinated with Dean, for he represents the Beat Generation.  The journey becomes mundanely dull, as it seems to be a continuous cycle that repeats itself and I think that it will ultimately end with everyone returning back to their own roofs.  I think that society will ultimately pull them back, as Carlo Marx says, “”Tain’t nothing but bureaucracy. And unions! Especially unions!” (pg.138) (as he sits with Kafka in his hands).  This alludes to the predestined failure of the individual.