Response to Jon

I agree with Jon, it seems that sometimes Sal takes a greater interest in others than himself. This is not selflessness but I think it comes from low self esteem. I often think he has this adoration for others because he does not find his own life worth thinking about. In a way, it is mildly ridiculous that he is so infatuated with other people, like Dean and Carlo. I think this constant interest in others makes people like him a lot more than his personality deserves. Sal is very easily amused and in turn is also very easily taken in by the charm of other people. I think his eagerness to like and be liked gets him in trouble more often then he would like. He seems to collect the type of people who are mildly insane to amuse himself. As I venture further and further into the book, I really must say that I like Sal less and less. He almost becomes impossible to like. He alienates his friends and he destroys his love life. It is no wonder that he no longer has a wife. I am hoping that part two of this novel is a lot more exciting than part one. I hope also that Sal gains some sort of a personality, which does not include habits that I detest, but I feel like this is not likely. I am rapidly losing hope for On the Road!