Helpful Score: 3
I started reading On the Road for many reasons. First of all, Im interested in reading Allen Ginsbergs Howl and Ive heard Jack Kerouacs On the Road is the accompanying prose to Ginsbergs poem. Also, I like to pick up a classic here and there between the more modern literature Im reading, so On the Road seemed like a natural choice.
The story-line of On the Road was intriguing, as its a tribute to the Beat Generation and a travelogue wrapped into one neat package. However, I had great difficulty reading Karouacs spontaneous prose. At times, it was almost poetic in form, but often it was jumbled thoughts and conversations that I found difficult to follow. I had to push myself to finish the book, simply because I was turned off by the writing style.
I must say that I tend to agree with Truman Capotes famous critique of Kerouacs style; Its isnt writing-its typing.
However, I understand the generational significance of On the Road and I still plan to read Howl. I feel like I will have a better understanding of Ginsbergs work having first read Kerouacs prose. Despite my criticisms, Dean Moriarty (the hero of both On the Road and Howl based on the real life friend of Kaurac and Ginsberg-Neal Cassady) is one of my favorite literary characters. His spark and spontaneous personality drive the novel so much so that I would love to have known the real Neal Cassady.
The story-line of On the Road was intriguing, as its a tribute to the Beat Generation and a travelogue wrapped into one neat package. However, I had great difficulty reading Karouacs spontaneous prose. At times, it was almost poetic in form, but often it was jumbled thoughts and conversations that I found difficult to follow. I had to push myself to finish the book, simply because I was turned off by the writing style.
I must say that I tend to agree with Truman Capotes famous critique of Kerouacs style; Its isnt writing-its typing.
However, I understand the generational significance of On the Road and I still plan to read Howl. I feel like I will have a better understanding of Ginsbergs work having first read Kerouacs prose. Despite my criticisms, Dean Moriarty (the hero of both On the Road and Howl based on the real life friend of Kaurac and Ginsberg-Neal Cassady) is one of my favorite literary characters. His spark and spontaneous personality drive the novel so much so that I would love to have known the real Neal Cassady.
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