On the Road Discussion Questions #2

Respond to the following questions and reply to classmates. Check back and add to the conversation!

Is Dean a hero, a failure, or both?

Some critics have claimed that the world Kerouac depicts in On the Road glorifies the deeds of uneducated, criminal young men leading irresponsible lives, committing sacrilegious acts. Given today's low tolerance for youthful rebellion, particularly drug use, do you find the behavior of Dean Moriarty and Sal Paradise repugnant and totally inappropriate? Do you think Kerouac is approving or critical of his characters' behavior?


Why do you think On the Road, after more than fifty years since its original publication, still maintains a magnetic hold on American youth culture? Is the novel's significance to your generation different from its significance to younger and to older generations? How has the meaning of On the Road changed for you since your first encounter with it?

On the Road Discussion Questions #1

Please respond to the following questions and to classmate responses. Feel free to check back and post again once the discussion has started.

How is On the Road written that is different from earlier, more traditional novels? What kind of effect does this have on traditional plot? Does the form help to express the themes of the novel?

Is Sal an honest narrator? Are there any inconsistencies in his narration? If so, what effect do they have on the story?

On the Road presentation dates and topics

Friday April 16th
Shin: key players of the Beat Generation
Rajnihant: Impact of the 1940s and 1950s on the Beat Generation
Jessica: lead a class discussion on the American Dream

Monday April 19th
Nick: lead a class discussion on individualism
Savahna: impact of Jazz on the Beat Generation
Maeanna: Lead a class discussion on pop culture

Thursday April 22nd
Jason: impact of Buddhism on the Beat Generation
Anthony: lead a class discussion on social rebellion
Katie: lead a class discussion on artistic freedom

Friday April 23rd
Parbattie: Beat Poetry
Nicola: feminist perspective and the Beats
Mattew: lead a class discussion on personal identity
Okenya: Beats and impact on the 1960s and modern society