On the Road Summary

Description

Here you will find a On the Road summary (Jack Kerouac's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.

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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

On the Road Summary Overview

During the chill of 1947, Dean Moriarty, a thrill-seeking habitual offender who's also a recent groom, arrives in New York City. He forms a bond with Sal Paradise, a budding writer who surrounds himself with intellectual associates, including the poetic Carlo Marx. Dean's dynamic lifestyle captivates Sal, sparking a three-year span of relentless cross-country voyages. Sal, frequently traveling by bus and audacious hitchhiking, finally fulfills his long-cherished dream of reaching the west. He not only reunites with Dean and their mutual friends in Denver, but he also ventures farther westward alone. He finds employment as an agricultural laborer in California for some time among other things. The following year, Dean once again disruptively enters Sal's life, and the pair embarks on a joint journey westward. This trip is filled with more wild exploits, including a stopover at Bull Lee's in New Orleans, and concludes in San Francisco. The subsequent winter sees Sal visiting Dean, and the duo embarks on a warm-hearted journey across America, with Dean eventually settling down in New York for a while. Come spring, Sal sets off to Denver alone, but Dean soon reunites with him for a trip that extends all the way to Mexico City. Throughout their constant nomadic lifestyle, they encounter a variety of vibrant personalities, ever-changing vistas, dramatic incidents, and personal growth. The charismatic Dean, notorious for his philandering ways, fathers four children with his three wives within these three years. Sal, initially a desolate and frail individual, gradually evolves into a cheerful and confident man, ultimately finding love. Initially, Sal's interest in Dean stems from Dean’s vibrant, impulsive passion that Sal finds lacking in himself, but they discover shared similarities over time. The narrative's richness is found in the subtleties.

part 1 chapter 1

Sal Paradise, the book's narrator, recounts his early days as a budding writer in New York City. During the winter of 1947, the arrival of Dean Moriarty, a newly released ex-con, stirs Sal's monotonous life. Dean, fresh from reform school and newly married to a young blonde, Marylou, hails from Denver and has come to New York City for the first time. Sal's curiosity about Dean was piqued by their mutual friend, Chad King. Sal and his companions pay a visit to Dean and Marylou in their Spanish Harlem apartment where Sal is struck by Dean's manic energy and long-winded speech. They spend the night conversing and drinking. Dean and Marylou's home is in Hoboken, where Dean works in a parking lot. After a quarrel, Marylou calls the police on him and returns to Denver. Dean seeks refuge at Sal's aunt's home in New Jersey, where they engage in pseudo-intellectual discussions about literature. Dean is keen to become a writer and a "real intellectual", and his eccentricity appeals to Sal. They decide that Dean will stay with Sal for now and plan a trip to the West together. Sal and Dean head to New York for a night out, where they meet Sal's effervescent poet friend, Carlo Marx. The three instantly gel, and Sal doesn't see them for two weeks as they indulge in endless discussions about writing, poetry, and madness. Sal senses a new beginning. With spring in the air, they all plan to travel. At the bus station, they take photos in a booth before Dean, dressed in a new suit, departs for Denver, marking the end of his "first fling" in New York. Sal admires Dean, touting him as "the most fantastic parking-lot attendant in the world." He vows to follow Dean to the West, attracted by Dean's zest, keenness, raw intellect, and his unique charm, which separates him from Sal's other friends. Sal feels a brotherly connection with Dean and sees him as a source of new experiences for his writing.

part 1 chapter 2

In the heat of July, equipped with fifty dollars and a half-finished novel, Sal decides to journey west. He pours over maps and travel guides, deciding on Route 6 as his path—a curving trail from Cape Cod to Los Angeles, passing through Bear Mountain, forty miles to his north. However, Sal's hitchhiking attempt leaves him stranded on a deserted, rain-soaked mountain route. Self-admonishment is his only company until a couple gives him a lift and provides a more practical route suggestion. Conceding the wisdom of their advice, Sal finds himself back in the city, his starting point just a day earlier. Eager to make up for lost time, he spends the bulk of his funds on a bus ticket to Chicago that leaves the next day.

part 1 chapter 3

Following a brief stay in Chicago, Sal journeys to Illinois and hitchhikes onward to Davenport, Iowa, finally laying eyes on the much-anticipated Mississippi River. Left waiting at a desolate junction, Sal opts for the route frequented by large trucks. His gamble pays off as a chatty truck driver offers him a lift. They engage in lively conversation while cruising down the highway. At Iowa City, another truck driver takes over, maintaining the steady westward momentum. He is later dropped off in Des Moines. Unable to secure lodging at the Y, Sal resorts to a run-down hotel near the railway line, where he sleeps throughout the day. Awakening at sunset, he is momentarily disoriented, unsure of his location or identity. Shaking off the confusion, he continues his journey, subsisting on apple pie and ice cream. Despite the allure of Des Moines women, he is resolute in his haste to reach Denver. Along the way, he connects with Eddie, a "rednose young drunk" from New York. They hitch a ride together but are abandoned in a small town. After a failed hitchhiking attempt, Sal settles their bus fare to Omaha. A cowboy-like passenger shares stories of his youthful freight-hopping days. At a diner, Sal is struck by the robust laughter of a Nebraska farmer whom he associates with the Western spirit. They find themselves stranded in rainy Shelton, prompting Sal to lend Eddie a shirt. A proposition from a carnival owner to join his crew is turned down, yet they find amusement in the idea. When their next ride has room only for one, Eddie silently claims it, leaving Sal behind.

part 1 chapter 4

Sal finds himself hitching the ultimate ride on a flatboard truck bound for Los Angeles, captained by two jovial young farmers. The truck is replete with eclectic characters like the shady "Montana Slim" and benevolent vagabond "Mississippi Gene," who is caring for a shy child. Sal is drawn to them and even treats them to smokes. Their journey is filled with merriment, periodic stops for food and relieving themselves. On one occasion, they pool money to purchase a whiskey bottle. Sal revels in the shifting scenery from lush farmlands to expansive plains. When Montana Slim needs to urinate, the farmers swerve the truck as a prank, resulting in Slim wetting himself, adding to the overall humor. At the journey's end, an intoxicated Sal and Montana Slim disembark in Cheyenne as the truck disappears into the darkness.

part 1 chapter 5

Sal and Montana Slim explore the nightlife, with Sal unsuccessfully attempting to charm a Mexican waitress. They move to a different bar, meeting two average-looking females. As Sal gets increasingly intoxicated, he squanders all but two of his dollars, hoping to seduce one of the women, but she rejects his advances. Exhausted, Sal dozes off in the bus terminal. He wakes up deserted and resumes hitchhiking. Initially, he feels ill and experiences a hangover, but his health improves upon reaching Longmont, Colorado. After resting on a lawn near a fuel station, he gazes at the Rockies, his anticipation for Denver growing. His excitement peaks when his subsequent hitchhiked ride drops him off at Larimer Street, Denver.

part 1 chapter 6

Sal initially visits Chad King, a Denver local who resides with his folks. He discovers that Dean and Carlo Marx are somewhere in the city, yet Chad hasn't crossed paths with them. Sal perceives a rift has occurred within their crew.

part 1 chapter 7

Sal starts living with Roland Major in an apartment owned by Tim Gray's family. Major is portrayed as a writer who despises the influx of "arty" people. Sal is curious about Dean, but nobody gives him answers. Carlo Marx eventually contacts him with news: Dean is juggling relationships with Camille and Marylou, and engaging in intense chats and benzedrine sessions with Carlo, often ending at midget auto races. Sal and Carlo arrange to fetch Dean one night. Camille dislikes Carlo, so he hides when they arrive at Dean's place. Dean emerges naked, preoccupied as usual with Camille. They head out to meet girls, including Rita Bettencourt, a waitress Dean has chosen for Sal. Their night turns into a group gathering. Sal attempts to take them to his apartment, but Major denies them entry, forcing them to wander downtown. Ultimately, Sal ends up alone and broke, so he returns home for a good night's sleep.

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Eddie, an old acquaintance of Sal's, arrives in Denver. Dean introduces them to street markets for potential work. Sal, however, has no interest in working since he enjoys a free bed and Major offers him food. His only obligations are cooking and dishwashing. After a grand gathering at the Rawlinses, Sal goes to Carlo's place. Carlo shares his poem "Denver Doldrums", in which he likens the Rockies to "papier-mache." Despite Dean's late arrival at 4 am, Sal stays, feigning sleep as Dean and Carlo engage in a night of profound conversation. Their discussion is filled with rampant free association. At dawn, Sal heads home, observing the sunrise paint the mountains red.

part 1 chapter 9

Sal, Major, the Rawlinses, and Tim Gray journey to Central City, a tourist-filled former mining town nestled in the mountains. They settle in an abandoned miner's shack for a weekend getaway. The group attends a performance of the opera, Fidelio, leaving Sal in high spirits. They throw a large party at the shack before Sal, Ray Rawlins, and Tim head to the local bars. Denver D. Doll, a well-liked local, is seen greeting everyone. Rawlins engages in two fights, insults a server, and the group is eventually expelled, with Sal sensing the presence of long-gone miners at every corner.

part 1 chapter 10

Once back in Denver, Sal discovers that Carlo and Dean had been in Central City, unbeknownst to him. Dean arranges for Sal to spend the evening with Rita Bettencourt, who he convinces to sleep with him, though she remains unimpressed. Sal resolves to head to San Francisco, bids his friends goodbye, and roams Denver. As more pals show up in the city, Sal reclaims his shirt from Eddie. Interestingly, the entire group seems to be converging on San Francisco. With additional money from his aunt, Sal embarks on his bus journey.

part 1 chapter 11

Sal reunites with old friend Remi Boncoeur in Mill City, shifting into Remi's shack where he also lives with his girlfriend, Lee Ann. Remi, excited about Sal's arrival, floods him with propositions. Sal pens a screenplay, hoping Remi can market it in Los Angeles, and takes up a job as a night guard at a worker's barracks. His efforts as a security guard, however, are uninspiring. After a night of drinking with the workers, he hoists the flag inversely, sparking suspicion from the other guards. When Sal and Remi work together, they resort to pilfering groceries from the cafeteria due to their financial crunch. Despite the hardship, they find joy in a rusty freighter picnic adventure with Lee Ann. Sal is attracted to Lee Ann but respects his promise to Remi not to interfere. Sal's attempts at seducing women during his San Francisco visits are fruitless, and he starts feeling the itch to move again. The screenplay venture fails, tensions rise between Lee Ann and Remi, and money shortages worsen when Remi gambles the remainder away. Remi requests Sal and Lee Ann act as his girlfriend and best friend during his stepfather's visit. Sal appreciates Remi's decorum, but ruins the planned dinner by arriving drunk and late, further complicated by the disruptive arrival of Roland Major. This marks the end of Sal's association with Remi. Sal decides to return East, intending to pass through Los Angeles and Texas. On his last day in Mill City, he scales a canyon, gazes out at San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean, and contemplates his journey's end on the continent.

part 1 chapter 12

Sal traverses Oakland, then thumb-rides to Bakersfield. When hitchhiking fails, he boards a bus to L.A., noticing an attractive Mexican girl, Terry. Gathering his courage, he initiates conversation. They share their life stories and agree to stick together in L.A. However, at breakfast upon arrival, Sal grows skeptical of Terry possibly being a con artist. In their hotel room, his behavior becomes odd, raising Terry's suspicions about Sal being a procurer. An argument ensues, but they manage to resolve their differences, leading to intimacy and eventually falling asleep in each other's arms.

part 1 chapter 13

Sal and Terry spend fifteen days together, hoping to make their way to New York, but they only have twenty dollars. Despite attempts to earn money in Los Angeles, they make no progress. Eventually, they hitch a ride to Bakersfield with the intention to earn money picking grapes. However, they find no available work. Terry then suggests they head to Sabinal, her hometown, to live in her brother's garage. In Sabinal, Sal becomes acquainted with Terry's carefree brother Rickey, their mutual friend Ponzo, and Terry's young son Johnny. After a night of socializing, they spend the night in a low-cost hotel. Everyone often talks about the possibility of better times and work opportunities "manana" or tomorrow. The following day, Sal, Terry, and Johnny rent a tent in the vineyards and cotton fields. They live next to an "Okie" family. Sal tries his hand at picking cotton, finding the work challenging compared to the other workers. With Terry and Rickey’s help, he manages to earn enough for basic provisions. For a time, he enjoys the roles of being a temporary husband, father, and laborer. When it becomes too cold, Terry returns to her family and arranges for Sal to live in a neighbor's barn. Despite sharing a few more meals and intimate moments, Sal feels a pull towards his previous life—the East. Once again, Sal hits the road, bidding goodbye to Terry. She intends to join him in New York the following month, but they both sense she won't. Sal hitchhikes to Los Angeles and then boards a bus to Pittsburgh, traveling as far as his remaining funds will allow.

part 1 chapter 14

As Sal journeys across the Southwest, he grapples with a profound sense of yearning. He encounters a girl on the bus who pays for his meals and they share casual affection until her departure in Ohio. Penniless in Pittsburgh, Sal resorts to hitchhiking. In the Allegheny Mountains, he encounters a confused, wandering hobo, the "Ghost of the Susquehanna," and realizes the existence of wilderness in the East as well. He listens to soulful saxophone tunes in a roadhouse, feeling isolated, hungry, and fatigued. Evicted from the Harrisburg train station where he slept, his last ride is with a gaunt plumbing salesman who practices controlled fasting. Seeing Sal's starvation, the salesman relents and offers him bread and butter, and Sal laughs at his predicament while eating. The salesman leaves him in New York, immersing Sal in the bustling Times Square. He begs for bus fare to Paterson, his tired appearance drawing wary looks. Once home, he empties the fridge, his aunt empathizes with his frailty. Arriving in October, Sal learns from his aunt that Dean had visited looking for him and left for San Francisco, where Camille has moved in. Sal laments his missed opportunity to see her and that he missed Dean.

part 2 chapter 1

Christmas 1948 finds Sal celebrating with his kin in Testament, Virginia, when Dean shows up with Marylou and Ed Dunkel. Dean's wilder than ever, having left his new baby and Camille in San Francisco. He, Ed, and Ed's new wife, Galatea Dunkel (who Ed married with the hope of financing their adventure, but proved uncooperative and was left behind in Arizona), dashed across the nation. During a quick stop in Denver, Dean reconnected with Marylou and decided to bring her along. He's even more hyperactive than before.

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During this time, Sal is attending college through the G.I. Bill and plans to wed Lucille. Dean suggests helping Sal by transporting furniture for his cousins, twice journeying between Virginia and New Jersey, and bringing Sal's aunt back on the second trip. Sal decides to accompany them, hitting the road once more. Once they reach Paterson, they receive a phone call from Bull Lee in New Orleans, informing them that Galatea Dunkel is in the city, searching for Ed. They also hear from Camille. They then reach out to Carlo Marx in Long Island, who visits them. Carlo, who has spent some time in Dakar, seems more matured, serious and subtly criticizes Dean's impulsive behavior.

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During their return trip to Virginia, Dean shares his newly discovered spiritual beliefs with Sal. He has faith in God and trusts that everything will turn out fine. Though his words are confusing, Sal finds a sense of understanding. They arrive back at Testament during the night's darkest hour and soon set off to New Jersey with Sal's aunt and extra furniture for their next trip. Dean shares his latest career move with them, working as a railroad brakeman. At around 4 am, they are unexpectedly stopped by a police officer and given a ticket for speeding despite Dean's slow pace of 30 mph. Unable to afford the fine, Dean is threatened with a night behind bars. However, Sal's aunt steps in to pay, causing confusion among the officers about her association with the young men. Resuming their journey, Sal shares a dream with Dean about "the Shrouded Traveler", a mysterious Arabian figure chasing him in the desert, only to catch him just before he reaches "the Protective City." Dean interprets the figure as a symbol of death, and the dream as a desire for death. Both Dean and Sal decide they want no part in such sentiments.

part 2 chapter 4

Dean and Sal meet up with their friends from New York and the New Year's weekend is filled with grand celebrations. Sal invites Lucille to the largest party, but she is not fond of Dean and Marylou or Sal's behavior around them. Marylou tries enticing Sal to make Lucille envious, and Sal relishes in the attention although he doesn't react. As a countermove, Lucille joins Dean in his car for a drink and a chat. The lively bop music accompanies them as they hop from one party to the next, and they end the night at their frenzied friend Rollo Greb's place in Long Island. Dean and Sal visit Birdland to witness George Shearing, a sightless jazz pianist, perform. The audience, including Dean, is overwhelmed by Shearing's intense, perspiring performance and Dean proclaims Shearing as God. Post the concert, despite the rainfall, Dean remains spellbound. Sal experiences a sense of madness and perplexity, then attributes it to the marijuana they've been consuming.

part 2 chapter 5

Sal is eager to join Dean and others for another trip to the West, with the hope of having a fling with Marylou in San Francisco. The gang hangs out at Carlo's house prior to their departure. Carlo's attempts to question the group about their actions and the harm they've done to Camille, Galatea and Lucille are dismissed with laughter. Sal observes the chaos daily. While in a bar one day, a flustered Dean surprises Sal by proposing that Sal should sleep with Marylou as he watches. Sal comprehends it's Dean's curiosity to see Marylou with another man. Despite initially agreeing, when the moment arrives, Sal finds himself unable to proceed. With Carlo growing impatient, his flat in disarray, and Dean and Marylou battered from their arguments, the group finally embarks on their journey.

part 2 chapter 6

Travelling through Washington, D.C., on the day of Harry Truman's re-inauguration, Ed Dunkel takes the wheel. Ignoring their advice, he drives recklessly, leading to their arrest. The police, though suspicious, only fine them $25, leaving them with $15 for their cross-country journey. To gather fuel money, they start picking up hitchhikers. Their initial hitchhikers include a Jewish wanderer claiming to have discovered the Torah and a dejected boy who falsely promises money from his aunt. Their journey takes them through South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, where Dean shoplifts petrol from an unobservant station attendant. Sharing his past, Dean talks about his life with his alcoholic father, hopping freight trains, and losing his innocence at nine. They reach Louisiana, visiting Bull Lee's rundown swamp house. Jane Lee, perpetually high on benzedrine, welcomes them, followed by Bull, an eccentric writer-addict. Bull, a former exterminator and traveller, is referred to as the group's mentor by Sal. Bull engages them in unanswerable questions, gives them drugs, and labels Dean as insane. They explore New Orleans nightlife with Bull, who intentionally takes them to boring bars to demonstrate their decline. They spend a foggy night at Bull's, each person working on individual projects. Sal steps out, hoping to sit by the Mississippi River but is forced to settle for a view through a fence.

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Engrossed in Bull's eccentric life, they spend their morning engaging in strange tasks like extracting nails from rotten wood, knife throwing, listening to tales about Morocco, and arguing with the neighbors. They later visit a racetrack where Bull loses some money. In Bull's backyard, they challenge each other with athletic stunts, Dean proving to be the quickest. Moving on to New Orleans, they explore the railyards, jumping onto and off freight trains, with Dean flaunting his brakeman abilities. Ed and Galatea choose to remain in New Orleans. Meanwhile, Dean, Sal, and Marylou bid their farewells, setting off for California.

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Sal, Dean, and Marylou journey through Louisiana and Texas, pilfering essentials like food, cigarettes, and gas where possible. They encounter a massive night fire and experience a fright driving in a marshy woodland with no headlights. During a heavy rainstorm, an errant car forces them off the road, leading to a muddy encounter with drunken fieldworkers asking for directions. After getting their car unstuck from the mud, they continue their journey through snowy terrain. Dean's spontaneous decision to dash around nude in the sagebrush leads to a brief period of shared nakedness, to the surprise of passing truck drivers. As night falls, a failed attempt to find ride-sharing partners at the El Paso travel bureau leaves them reliant on their own resources. During the drive, Sal observes Marylou's complex emotions towards Dean. They befriend a reticent teenager who offers payment from his aunt in California, before continuing their cross-country escapade across New Mexico's vivid mountains and into Arizona. Sal pawns his watch for extra cash during his driving shift, narrowly avoiding trouble with a curious police officer who eventually becomes charmed by Dean. In Tucson, they quickly visit Sal's friend Hingham to borrow money. The group acquires another traveling companion, an unfortunate "Okie" musician, who assures them his brother in Bakersfield will provide gas money. As they pass a female prison, he shares a story of a man shot twice by his forgiving husband. The last part of the journey takes them through a mountain pass where Dean coasts down in neutral, guiding everyone to lean in the right directions, saving gas over thirty miles.

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In Bakersfield, memories flood Dean as he shares with Sal about his past hangouts. Dean's enthusiasm overshadows Sal's tale of his time in the railyard with Terry. They receive some cash from the musician's sibling and proceed towards the California aunt. However, fate has it that the aunt is incarcerated for attacking her spouse. After wishing the boy good luck, they travel further, soon catching sight of the picturesque San Francisco hills and the vast ocean. Once downtown, Dean deserts Sal and Marylou on the street, hurrying to see Camille.

part 2 chapter 10

Marylou and Sal find lodging in a low-priced inn. In Dean's absence, Sal comes to understand that Marylou lacks any romantic interest in him. She ventures off with a well-off gentleman on their second evening. As Sal roams the city solo, he undergoes a peculiar incident where he envisions a shopkeeper as his judgmental mother from a former life. He experiences a thunderous noise in his ears and believes he senses the existence of countless past existences, a feeling of joy and impending doom--yet he manages to return to his quarters, where he is famished and vividly depicts the enticing food aromas of San Francisco.

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Dean returns, escorting Sal to Camille's place for a short stay. Dean concocts a new plan: peddling pressure cookers, but unsurprisingly, it doesn't stick. Sal and Dean join Slim Gaillard for extensive, fervent jazz and blues gigs. Sal readies himself to return home. Dean reunites with Marylou, causing Sal to grow weary of them. Their parting is laced with a subtle animosity.

part 3 chapter 1

As spring emerges, Sal finds himself in Denver laboring in a fruit market, disliking the strenuous efforts. Loneliness envelops him, for his friends are no longer there. He aimlessly roams, coveting the seemingly serene and content lives of the local Mexicans, Japanese, and blacks. He envisions Dean and Marylou as youngsters in this place. One evening, he finds himself amidst a multi-racial crowd at a local softball match, yearning for their shared happiness. Following, Sal spends an evening with a wealthy acquaintance who presents him with travel funds for San Francisco. Dean, currently residing on Russian Hill with Camille, greets Sal's late-night arrival in his typical attire, or lack thereof. Dean shares his recent experiences: employed as a mechanic and obsessing over Marylou, who has been unfaithful and is now wed to a used-car salesman. He once contemplated ending either her life or his own. Presently, with an injured hand, he commits to caring for his beloved infant daughter, while Camille weeps in despair upstairs.

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After a bitter row in the morning, Camille kicks out Dean and Sal, accusing Dean of dishonesty. On the sidewalk, laden with their bags, Sal proposes they head for New York, then Italy. This prompts Dean to understand the depth of Sal's feelings for him, which forges a strange yet comforting bond. They spot a Greek wedding below, imagining they're in Cyprus, before descending the hill on a cable car. They resolve to stand by each other and embark on a search for Dean's estranged father. However, they'll first spend a couple of days enjoying San Francisco, with their friend Roy Johnson driving them around. Sal tries to locate Remi Boncoeur but discovers he's not in Mill City. They visit Galatea Dunkel who has been abandoned by Ed. She scolds Dean for his choices, particularly abandoning Camille and their child. Despite the reproach from other women too, Dean merely laughs. Sal stands up for him and they escape to a lively jazz club.

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The initial jazz venue sees a tenor saxophonist pouring his soul into the music, deeply resonating with Dean. Moving on to another jazz scene, they encounter an alto saxophonist, bearing a resemblance to Carlo Marx, who stirs the entire room with his performance.

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After a night of revelry, they end up at a newly-made friend's home. The friend's wife, roused from sleep, displays only pleasure and doesn't probe further. Dean labels her a "real woman." They find a place to crash at another friend's house. Sal drops by Galatea's to retrieve their bags, her demeanor towards him is friendly but forebodes disaster for Dean. Despite lamenting his premature exit from San Francisco, Sal hails a cab for himself and Dean, kickstarting their eastward journey again.

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In the backseat, Dean and Sal engage in ceaseless chatter about shared childhood experiences, and Dean shares tales of his alcoholic father. He reveals that his father's drinking bouts often left him in tears. They regard their car-mates, a slender homosexual man and a couple, with disdain for their anxious and cautious lifestyles. The man makes a failed pass at Dean, who in turn is unsuccessful in extracting money from him. Despite this, Dean is allowed to drive, speeding recklessly and scaring the others. Upon reaching Denver, the relieved passengers eagerly release Dean and Sal.

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During a meal, Dean remarks on Sal's advancing age, causing an exhausted Sal to respond sharply. Dean exits, abandoning his meal. Upon his return, Dean confesses he's been weeping, surprising Sal and instilling guilt. Dean brushes it off, and the two visit an "Okie" household, Sal's old acquaintances. Dean's enthusiasm peaks when he learns he'll meet a cousin from his childhood. Despite the excited reunion, the cousin only agrees to meet to have Dean sign documents severing ties with their family. Sal empathizes with Dean and reaffirms his faith in him. Later, they attend a fair, where Dean finds himself drawn to a petite girl but lacks the courage to approach her.

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Dean finds himself in hot water with the local folks for his advances towards their attractive daughter. Sal manages to pacify them, although the mother warns she will shoot Dean if he returns. Conflict ensues with the family they're living with, and Sal lands in hot water with a relative of his "woman friend" who suspects Sal is exploiting her for resources. At a pub, Dean spirals into chaos when a stranger flirts with him, bolts outside and begins a car theft spree. Come dawn, amid the havoc, Dean shockingly discovers the final car he burgled and damaged belonged to a detective. Panic-stricken, both he and Sal make a hasty exit on foot, then hail a cab to a travel agency. At this location, a gentleman seeks a driver for his Cadillac to Chicago, an opportunity Dean eagerly snatches.

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Dean spends the day cruising around and romancing a newly met waitress who agrees to visit him in New York. They begin their journey with two young passengers headed for a religious school. In his usual reckless fashion, Dean breaks the speed limit, clocking over 110 miles per hour, and despite Sal's warning, he loses control of the car in the rain and crashes into a ditch. While Dean seeks assistance at a nearby farmhouse, Sal assures one of the frightened boys that Dean is his brother. A local farmer rescues them with his tractor, and his whole family, including a beautiful but reserved "prairie angel," watches the spectacle. The journey continues with a stop at the remote ranch of Ed Wall, a friend of Dean's who has become apprehensive of him. Nevertheless, Ed and his wife provide them with a hearty meal before they hit the road again.

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Dean is at the wheel as they traverse states from Nebraska to Illinois, sharing tales of his youthful exploits, which include stealing cars, faking his age for jobs, and meeting his young love, Marylou, in Denver. The sight of homeless people reminds him of his father. He and Sal fantasize about a global road trip in their Cadillac. His reckless driving, overtaking several cars at once, scares Sal who retreats to the backseat. A minor collision leads to a brief police encounter, but suspicions of their car being stolen are sorted with the vehicle's owner in Chicago. They also pick up two vagrants en route. In small-town Illinois, they draw suspicious glances during a fuel stop, making Sal feel like they're a band of suave outlaws. They reach Chicago from Denver in record time, maintaining an impressive speed of 70 mph. After dropping off their hitchhikers and freshening up, they immerse themselves in Chicago's jazz scene. Sal reflects on the evolution of jazz and bop, highlighting greats like Louis Armstrong and Charlie Parker. They encounter the blind pianist, George Shearing, whom they nickname "God" for his mesmerizing performance. The night is spent in the company of music and musicians. Come dawn, they return the worn-out Cadillac to its owner's garage, making a swift exit to avoid detection of the vehicle's battered state.

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Boarding a bus bound for Detroit, Dean dozes off while Sal engages in a uninspiring conversation with a mundane country lass, who shares her unenthusiastic experiences of making popcorn on the porch. Finding themselves short on funds in Detroit, the duo spend the night in a movie theatre on Skid Row, repeating viewings of a cowboy flick and a film about Istanbul. Dean discloses that Sal, asleep for part of the night, nearly got carried away by the theatre's cleaning crew. Sal muses over the possibility of being lost amid the trash. The following morning, after unsuccessful attempts at flirting in a few bars, they snag a ride to New York from a friendly blond man at the travel bureau.

part 3 chapter 11

When they return to New York, Sal and Dean take shelter in Sal's aunt's newly-acquired Long Island apartment, but she only allows Dean a short stay. The duo pledge undying friendship to each other. During a city party, Dean stumbles upon Inez, and soon desires a divorce from Camille to marry Inez. Subsequently, Camille and Inez both become mothers to Dean's children. With no money and preoccupied with his usual pleasures and dilemmas, Dean and Sal abandon their plans to journey on to Italy.

part 4 chapter 1

Spring stirs restlessness within Sal. His published book has left him with some cash, leading him to consider a solo trip to the West, leaving Dean in New York. Dean, juggling responsibilities, is working hard at a parking lot to sustain Inez and fulfill child support obligations to Camille. Dean's introversion is becoming more apparent in the bustling New York life. During a late-night conversation, Dean shares with Sal about a letter from his incarcerated father in Seattle, sparking a desire for his father's presence in New York. On a different day, they engage in a baseball game on-screen followed by a hands-on basketball match with youngsters, resulting in their defeat. A dinner with Sal's aunt ensues, where Dean reimburses her $15 given for his speeding ticket. Afterward, Sal is taken aback by the contrasting normalcy of Dean's life in photographs, compared to their chaotic reality. As they part ways, they both grapple with a sense of loneliness.

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While traveling by bus through the Midwest, Sal encounters Henry Glass, a young man recently released from prison. He comes across as a calmer version of Dean to Sal, who looks after him until they reach Denver. Once there, Sal reunites with his old friends, enjoying their company in bars and Babe Rawlins' backyard, where he also meets Stan Shephard. Learning about Sal's Mexico trip, Stan expresses his wish to accompany him. Amid their preparations, Sal receives a call from Denver Doll, informing him that Dean has purchased a car and is on his way, signalling to Sal that Dean is in one of his wild phases again.

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Dean makes a stormy entrance in Denver. His aim in Mexico is to expedite his divorce proceedings. The group spends a memorable day and night in revelry with their companions. The next day, Stan's granddad implores them not to bring Stan to Mexico and appeals to Stan not to leave, all to no avail. Bidding farewell to their friends, they embark on their journey southward, with Sal casting a lingering gaze at Tim Gray, who gradually fades away in the plains.

part 4 chapter 4

Shortly into their journey from Denver, Stan is bitten by an insect, causing his arm to swell alarmingly, which Sal interprets as an ominous sign. Despite this, they push on through Colorado, New Mexico, and the intimidating expanse of Texas. They pause their journey in San Antonio so Stan can get a penicillin shot at a clinic. The sight of the local Mexican girls triggers Sal's memories of Terry. Afterward, they enjoy a game of pool, fascinated by a physically handicapped dwarf who, despite being the object of mockery, is clearly cherished by the crowd. Exhausted from the relentless driving, they finally reach the border town of Laredo, crossing the Rio Grande River into Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, where their mood brightens at the sight of the carefree Mexican border officials. They exchange most of their money for pesos. They traverse Sabinas Hidalgo, the Monterrey mountains, the sweltering town of Montemorelos, and then a marshland, watching the locals with fascination from their car. Dean feels a connection with these people, which Sal attributes to their commonality of being driven by basic, "primitive" impulses. Sal takes over the wheel, driving through the "hot flat swamp country" to Gregoria. Here, they meet Victor, a roadside vendor selling windshield screens. When Sal jestingly inquires about purchasing girls, Victor affirms it's possible. An awakened Dean then asks Victor if he can help them procure marijuana. Victor takes them to his family home where they smoke fresh marijuana from the garden with Victor and his many siblings, getting thoroughly high. Though neither party can understand the other, the atmosphere is jovially merry.

part 4 chapter 5

Back on the road, Sal likens Dean's appearance to both Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and God. Victor introduces the pair to his family, including his baby whom they find stunningly beautiful. Soon after, they find themselves in a bustling brothel, filled with lively mambo tunes and young prostitutes. Despite his initial interest in a sixteen-year-old girl, Sal ultimately sleeps with an older woman after witnessing the girl's mother intervene. Still, he maintains an infatuation for the young girl, mesmerized by her distinct dignity. Further consumed by alcohol and the frenetic energy of the night, Dean becomes so intoxicated he fails to recognize Sal. The intense evening winds down as the girls bid them farewell, leaving them in a euphoric stupor. Later, Victor leads them to a roadside bathhouse where they refresh themselves. Dean grows fond of Victor and tries to persuade him to join them back in the U.S. However, Victor respectfully declines, citing his familial responsibilities. They bid Victor farewell, leaving him in the warm glow of the evening.

part 4 chapter 6

Departing from Gregoria, their journey takes them through a dense jungle under the cover of darkness due to broken headlights. The hilarity of Stan's enduring high lightens their mood. Overcome with fatigue, they rest in Limon, with Dean and Stan sleeping roadside while Sal opts for the car roof. The atmosphere is sweltering and buzzing with insects. A nighttime encounter with a sheriff and a near-miss with a horse-cart reassures them. Awaking to a layer of dead insects, they set off again, witnessing changes in the landscape and locals. They are struck by the isolation of a young Indian girl on a Sierra Madre peak and are swarmed by others selling rock crystals. Dean trades a wristwatch for a crystal and they continue through the mountains. Catching sight of Mexico City, they're overwhelmed by the bustling intensity. Mexico City marks the finale of their journey. Amidst the chaos, Sal falls ill with dysentery and fever, descending into delirium. He wakes to learn of Dean's divorce and imminent departure for New York, leaving Stan to care for him. Despite Dean's seeming abandonment, Sal accepts Dean's nature. Sal recounts Dean's subsequent journey to Louisiana, where the car breaks down. Dean arranges a flight to New York courtesy of Inez, assuring her about the divorce before boarding a bus to San Francisco to reunite with Camille. Meanwhile, Sal, now in New York, finds Laura, the woman he's been searching for. Dean's premature arrival in New York to transport Sal and Laura to San Francisco leaves him struggling for words. Their rushed parting sees Dean left alone on the street as Sal and Laura depart with Remi Boncoeur. Dean returns to San Francisco via train, leaving Sal to ponder his unexpected visit. As dusk descends, Sal gazes across the river to New Jersey, Dean occupying his thoughts.