First 500 Words

      Throughout literature, authors are generally inclined to write about events and situations that they have experienced themselves. For instance, Jack Kerouac, born in 1922, lived to see the intense racial discrimination of the early 20th century that preceded the hippie movement in the 60’s and 70’s. Moreover, in works such as On the Road, Kerouac’s experiences act as a clear motive with the inclusion of topics such as the “Beat Generation” and the all new “western” mindset. As a result, after being published in 1957, the novel drew a great amount of attention for  its praise of the “beatniks” and its support of racial equality and liberalism. Jack Kerouac’s novel goes beyond describing a journey; instead, through the manipulation of characters and their actions, the author is ultimately able to portray one of the most complex time periods in American history. 

      One of the major reasons for the novel’s controversial release was the author’s revolutionary portrayal of a variety of different cultures. Sal and Dean, the novel’s two main protagonists, spend a seemingly endless journey across the nation where they meet people of different ethnicities and backgrounds. Possibly the most intriguing scene in the novel occurs when the two characters are in Louisiana and they recognize the African American musicians for their great talents. Prior to the “Beat Generation”, the concept of allowing black musicians to perform publicly would be considered disgraceful. However, the “beatniks” accepted the fact that the African Americans were different in skin color in exchange for their expertise in jazz music. Not only did African Americans begin performing at local venues, but they also became popular enough to define the new identity of places such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The influence of jazz in the novel is both clear and significant in that it reveals the characters’ perspectives on racial injustice. Rather than ignoring the obvious talent, nearly every character in the novel embraces the black men for their abilities. Sal and Dean become so engaged with jazz to the extent that they attend many performances including those of Slim Gaillard, one of the most recognized jazz musicians in history. Even when spending time in other cities outside of Louisiana, the characters’ affection for jazz still plays a role as they drink at bars in New York and Virginia that feature local African American performers. As the novel progresses, the characters regularly meet at nightclubs and bars where the sound of jazz music acts as an indicator of the iconic time period. The growing recognition of black musicians provided the support for a generation that would become more respectful and willing to take part in activities with people of other cultures. Jack Kerouac’s heavy focus on jazz music in On the Road presents the idea that Americans would no longer shun raw talent because of race.