It's ironic to me that the Beatniks and other 'outcasts' scorned the inane superficiality of 'normal' society, and I say this because Sal's adventures on the road weren't exactly exciting. I'm definitely not implying that he didn't learn anything from his travels or that there wasn't deep symbolism in his actions or reactions. However, the culture of sex, drugs, and alcohol didn't seem too meaningful. Yes, they were representative of the group's escape from reality and desire to experience more than was possible in the doldrums of America. Still, it wasn't an educational odyssey or religious experiment that drove their journeys on the road (not that either of those would be too interesting, either...) - it was the minute details of everyday life.
Sal's stream of consciousness was the most intriguing part of the novel, for his honest opinions and all-too-human memory serve to connect the audience to his reality. We can't imagine the characters or situations in any other light. Hence, we are learning both with and without Sal, the latter in which Kerouac's situational irony plays a crucial role. For instance, we know that Sal has more of a conscience than others, especially regarding women,which is why he is ashamed of Dean's horrible treatment of Camille. He doesn't know this, nor does he know how to respond to his own moral compass.
In short, the focus in life for every human should be on the present, and not the destination. That's not to say one shouldn't have goals or not question anything, but experience should point you in the right direction and you'll end up somewhere satisfying - eventually.
Sal's stream of consciousness was the most intriguing part of the novel, for his honest opinions and all-too-human memory serve to connect the audience to his reality. We can't imagine the characters or situations in any other light. Hence, we are learning both with and without Sal, the latter in which Kerouac's situational irony plays a crucial role. For instance, we know that Sal has more of a conscience than others, especially regarding women,which is why he is ashamed of Dean's horrible treatment of Camille. He doesn't know this, nor does he know how to respond to his own moral compass.
In short, the focus in life for every human should be on the present, and not the destination. That's not to say one shouldn't have goals or not question anything, but experience should point you in the right direction and you'll end up somewhere satisfying - eventually.
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