Some people argue that Dean Moriarty is the center of this novel. Do you agree? Why or why not? What does Dean represent in terms of behavior/lifestyle? Why do you think Sal admires him so much?
Well I do think Dean is somehow what Sal talks MOST about in the book, but I’m not sure if Dean is the “CENTER” of the novel…yet. Sal just admires him way too much in my opinion and I think that’s why Sal talks about Dean too much, Sal talks about Dean as if he was a God, but I also believe that Sal might be bisexual and he doesn’t want to recognize it, because he’s trying to find himself by traveling and getting away from daily rutine. In terms of behavior/lifestyle I think Dean has freedom and wildness/badboy style and that’s what Sal admires and envy, the qualities that Dean has.
Interesting point, Rocio. So do you think that Sal’s admiration for Dean is a kind of unrecognized desire *for* Dean? Or is it just a desire to *be like* Dean?
I’m not sure yet, because the story/novel hasn’t give me more supportive evidence, but that’s what i think so far between Sal and Dean.
I somewhat agreed with you despite the fact Sal does visually see Dean as a God-like image. It is indeed true Sal admires and envies Dean very much to the point he thrives being like him, “wildness/badboy style.” He would do whatever it takes to be like him as well as travel wherever Dean goes.