Part Three

This section introduces the idea of dilemmas and internal conflicts. Previously, Sal was thought to be a devoted writer who only sought inspiration yet craved for the grandiose idea of freedom. As the story travels deeper, Sal struggles with the want for “kicks” and the romanticized freedom of the open road and the reality of having a more stable and settled life. However, Dean further seduces Sal into that freedom and spirals him down into problems of commitment later on. In a more general view, Sal is the struggle between the Beat generation and the former right handed generation.

For some time afterwards, Sal was able to separate from his “alter ego” and had been celebrating Christmas with some relatives in Testament, Virginia. Dean later shows up with Ed Dunkel and a new girl named Marylou after having abandoned Camille, his second wife, and their newborn baby, Amy, in San Francisco. Now this act alone would have been an outrage to all the right handers who believe that family is one of the most important responsibilities. Not only is Dean sleeping with multiple women, he is rejecting his duty as a father. Not only had he abandoned what he should have been taking care of, but he throws himself upon Sal and expects him to do what he wishes – (which he does). Although Sal makes it seem as though he is upset about Deans sudden appearance – "now the bug was on me again, and the bug's name was Dean Moriarty." –  he still allows himself to be swept off to the road again.

Their first stop is New York where they meet up with Carlo and party some more. At this point, it’s clear how these parties go against societies standards and how all of these “beat” up degenerates are looked down upon by the right handers.

Next, Dean tries to push Sal into sleeping with Marylou but Sal declines. This reaction of Sal’s would actually have received a thumbs up from society because Sal refused to have premarital sex with a somewhat unknown girl. Dean, on the other hand, basically attempted to give away his girl as if she were some item he possessed. His actions are what define the Beat generation in every aspect. Free flowing sex and sharing what you “own” are very hippie like ways to think and “love for everybody” is not taken likely as it is clear how often these polygamous relationships occur.

Later on, more drugs are exposed to them when they travel to Algiers and stay with a morphine-addicted Old Bull Lee and his wife Jane. Once back in San Francisco, Dean leaves Marylou to be with Camille. During a conversation between Marylou and Sal, she states "Dean will leave you out in the cold anytime it is in the interest of him," Dean plays his so called “friends” like a deck of cards and uses them whenever it suits him. He has not consideration for the feelings of others and just does that which satisfies him.