Kerouac seems to fond over nature. He uses the scenery as transitions between chapters using vivid imagery. Here on page 78, he dedicates a long description about what Frisco really meant to him. It wasn't really spending time with Remi and Lee Ann because if it was he would've mentioned that.
No, he says "That was Frisco" referring to the beautiful environment of San Francisco. So far, everybody has disappointed him; even though he constantly sticks up for them. One thing that never disappoints him is America's Beauty.
Clearly, there's something else inspiring him to continue on with his journey. Yes, he wants to travel to Texas to see his buddies, but I think he wants to see what Texas is about. I can't help but to recall Wordsworth's "Prelude" about how Nature is holy and healing.
For some reason this passage stood out to me. I finally realized that Kerouac is celebrating what is all around us. If we take the time and reflect upon our environment, maybe we'll become inspired too. Does anybody else see this or am I as "mad" as the rest of the people in this crazy book"?!?!?!!
I can see what you are saying about how Sal is just so mesmerized by nature, but on the other hand that is still not enough for him. He seem to always find something worth while in most of his stops, but he never seem to find the one thing that will make him sprout roots. I think he might be addicted to the road, the constant change, the beauty.
ReplyDeleteI think both of you make a valid point. However, I would have to agree more with the 'road' John is taking. If we look closely at your given quote his description of the Pacific is slightly more striking; once he gets to the top of the mountain it is the Pacific that dominates his vision. What is the Pacific ocean if not another road, perhaps the greatest of roads? Sal is not simply stopping in San Francisco because "Frisco" is not an end, it's either a continuation or a brand new beginning. I think that Sals' description is a little more than just a romanticized description of the flora, it's a commentary on the hope that San Francisco has always stood for.
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