Dean
Moriarty encapsulates a truly iconic literary character. Dean serves as a foil to Sal, our amazingly
observant and insightful narrator. Dean
epitomizes the reckless, but endearing, character that pushes the story. Jack Kerouac brilliantly utilizes Dean,
allowing for an organic and sublime story to develop. “On The Road” ushers and delivers not only a
wonderful story, but develops a truly iconic and memorable character. But who do we remember more? Sal’s uncanny crystallization of the journey
or Dean’s leading role in their journey?
At times it
feels like Dean is the overwhelming victor and answer to the question. But
why? Dean produces a vibrant color,
which makes Kerouac’s art worth engaging with.
Dean resuscitates Sal’s soul, his will to live. Kerouac starts the book by glorifying
Dean. Establishing him as a legend
before it begins, “With the coming of Dean Moriarty began the part of my life
you could call my life on the road…Dean is the perfect guy for the road”
(Kerouac, 1). Sal felt that “everything
was dead” but Dean brought him back (1).
This amazing journey would not exist without the intoxicating charisma
and energy possessed by Dean.
Dean could
be characterized as an endearing bull in a diner; he’s soft and fuzzy, but a
bull’s a bull. He simply defines
reckless behavior, a clear-cut imprint of the road he comes from and
traverses. The west, the diner, seems
like enough space but he finds a way to get into trouble. Though, scintillating and intensely
interesting, his behavior is reprehensible.
But it is so good. His cavalier
attitude makes for an appetizing and flavorful read. He in my opinion is the main attraction.
Without
Dean “On The Road” would lose its flavor and essence. His influence on the wild, free, and
spontaneous vibe depicts the beauty of a foil.
What Sal lacks Dean excels in.
Jack Kerouac displays the hallmark of the Beat generation, with an
iconic and inebriating character; Dean drives the novel as much, if not more
than Sal.
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