Jack Kerouac and the Beat Movement - Essay Example

?On The Road: Jack Kerouac and the Beat Movement Introduction In the postwar era (1950s), history chronicled that this period has seen the growth of the economic and political landscape of America. Hence, the rise of materialism and conformity was also a form of liberation from the war and the Great Depression. However, a diminutive society of poets and writers sparked a movement that challenged the traditional values during that era. Jack Kerouac, together with other writers, created the Beat Movement through their literary pieces and lifestyle. This paper then aims to discuss the reasons why the Beat Generation rejects middle class American expectation of conformity based on the literary work of Jack Kerouac, On the Road. However, this work cannot be discussed out of context. Therefore, it is important to also discuss the Beat Movement and its relation to Jack Kerouac to better understand the literary piece, and to provide substantial arguments. John Kerouac and the Beat Movement John Kerouac is the acknowledged leader of the literary artists belonging to the Beat Movement. This movement promotes countering the cultures during the 1950s, whereby resisting conformity expectations of the middle class American culture. This movement was joined by literary artists, who exploit their literary talents to convey and create works with values and topics of poverty, immigration, sex, drugs, eastern philosophers (Buddhism) and American Jazz musicians. These values and topics have been evident in the work of Kerouac, On The Road. This piece has expressed the perceptions and rationality of those belonging to the movement. Through a fictional story, it depicts the group, whereby they refuse to acknowledge various dominating values and beliefs during the period. In particular, the Beat rejects materialism and conformity, which was said to be the expectation of the American middle class. Rejection of Conformity in Middle Class American Based on the work of Kerouac, the main aim of the Beat Movement (based on the book) is to restore the authenticity of humans in the culture of the prepackaged life--- that is conformity. To note, this era was a proliferation of freedom repression. It is apparent that the Beat Movement aspires to influence the society in reinventing the dominant culture through writings. By narrating his and his friends travel experiences, he instills the importance of freedom in a world governed by norms. Their deviation from uniformity was characterised by their travels on the road. Despite believing in the power of language, the Beat movement continues their fight by living what they write. That is, they are able to deliver their sentiments by living “freely” with drugs, religion, voluntary poverty, affirmation to third sex and alcoholism. These elements are distinctively clear in their writings, as well. Moreover, it is often emphasised from the book that residing in a particular area is never permanent. This paper perceived this reflects the ambition of the Beat to create a new value and faith outside the values which forcibly shape their lives and beliefs. Provided with this, the Beat pointed out that the ultimate dream is not to conform to society, but rather it is the freedom from the conservative society they belong to. They perceive such conservatism as a curtailment of their freedom to express themselves. Hence, the primary rationale on why the Beat rejects conformity is the hopes of circumventing the restrictions associated with the expectations of the American middle class. On the second note, the book demonstrated that the Beat rejected American Middle class restrictions as it also promotes materialism and consumerism in the capitalist society. This means that the Beat rejects conformity as they do not believe in materialism. Acquiring this value does not guarantee happiness despite one’s abounding wealth. The Beat recognised the importance of spiritual fulfillment, which will not be attained by materialistic values. The characters’ experiences and way of live granted their dreams to be realised. This was evident in the book as the characters opted to live in poverty, and continuously wander in the North. Furthermore, the Beat renounces conformity and materialism based on the assumption that money is not an essential in attaining happiness. Their travel experiences taught the Beat that happiness comes from the pleasures of the simple things, the nature, and the freedom to expressing themselves. The book of Kerouac romanticises poverty, drugs, religion, music and drugs as these extremes are thought to be the ways to arouse a revolution that will not mount the dominant middle class culture. Personal Impact The book was set and written during the 50s; however, its learning and impact to its readers have not lost its worth. This paper believes that the purpose of the literary piece was well intact even beyond the years. Hence, this paper has identified several impacts and learning to the reader. Upon reading the novel, the value and fulfillment one can acquire from freedom, spontaneity, and anti-consumerism is very evident. The paper agrees to the Beat movement and the book with regard to nonconformity and materialism. In the age of globalisation, dominating cultures may impede the existence of the minority and indigeneity. The problem with conformity as learned from the novel is that it corrodes the values of an individual. To become functional, one should act independently in accordance with his or her experiences. Hence, providing new meanings and faith helps in creating a diverse yet productive society. For instance, one should always appreciate the roots of their values to understand and appreciate the beliefs of others. However, the paper still recognises the importance of adapting to changes, but there should always be the freedom of acting based on one’s culture. When it comes to materialism and consumerism, the Beat has a strong indignation to avoid acquiring these values. The global community has seen the rise of numerous technologies and products that provide both advantages and disadvantages. Thus, this paper, to a certain degree, concedes to the Beat regarding materialism and consumerism. It is apparent that consumerism developed the behaviour of constantly acquiring things and spending of material wealth without achieving fulfillment. The paper agrees that spiritual fulfillment cannot be attained by money, but on the small and inexpensive, but valuable life experiences. On the “socio-environmental” aspect, the rise of digital technologies and computers equals to the depletion of our natural environment. The natural environment is affected throughout the entire lifespan of the product; from the extraction of raw materials to the disposal of the product. People are purchasing more and more products without the use of values. Intelligent use of technologies in this consumerist society is highly required. This paper acknowledges the methods and channels maximised by the Beat in their revolution. The power of writing and language in conveying ones message has proven to be very effective and influential. However, this paper degrees to the abuse of drugs and alcohol as it is not the most effective way of conveying ones message. This paper disagrees to their instruments, although it has been very effective in capturing the attention of the society. Conclusion The Beat generation and their works have influenced not only the literary community, but also the greater society. These writers have been very effective in communicating and reshaping values of the people from the 1950s and onwards. They have become a legacy with which the contemporary society will continue to learn and evaluate the importance of freedom, nonconformity and non-materialistic values. This paper believes that On The Road and Jack Kerouac have successfully delivered the ideas and experiences that will help the people in attaining a thriving community. Work Cited Kerouac, Jack. On The Road. USA: Penguin Books Limited. 2011. Print. Read More