People’s Democratic Republic of higher Education and Scientific Research

Mohamed Lamine Debaghine - Sétif2- University

Faculty of Letters and Languages

Department of English language and literature

Master 2 civilisation and literature

Research proposal :

Analysis of “On The Road “ by jack Kerouac in relation to modernist theory

Candidate: thifinagh kheloufi

Supervisor: Dr. Tayeb Hadj

Table of contents:

Introduction:

1_Background .

2_ Research statement.

Literary Review

Methodology:

1_ First chapter.

2_ second chapter.

3_ third chapter.

Conclusion.

References.
• Introduction:
This research proposal holds significance as it aims to shed light on the enduring
impact of Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" and its contribution to the Beat Generation.
By examining the modernist aspects in the novel such as themes, narrative style,
characters development to gain a deeper understanding of the social and literary
context in which it was written. Furthermore, this research will contribute to the
existing body of knowledge on the Beat Generation and its influence on American
literature
Background:
"On The Road “ is a semi-autobiographical novel written by American author Jack
Kerouac and Published in 1957 It is considered one of the defining works of the
Beat Generation.

The novel follows the travels of the protagonist, Sal Paradise (based on Kerouac
himself), and his friend Dean Moriarty (based on Neal Cassady), as they embark
on a series of road trips across America. Set in the post-World War II era, the
story captures the restless spirit of a generation disillusioned by the conformity
and materialism of the time
Themes :

1. The Search for Meaning and Identity: One of the central themes in "On the
Road" is the characters' quest for meaning and identity.
2. Rebellion against Societal Norms: The novel explores the Beat Generation's
rebellion against the conformity and materialism of post-World War II
America.
3. The Pursuit of Freedom: Freedom is a recurring theme in "On the Road." The
characters yearn for freedom from societal constraints, from the expectations
of family and society, and from the monotony of everyday life. They find a
sense of liberation in their travels, in the open road.
4. Transience and the Journey: The characters are constantly on the move,
seeking new adventures and encounters. They form intense connections with
each other but often find that these relationships are fleeting and
 impermanent. The journey itself becomes a metaphor for life, emphasizing the
importance of embracing the present moment and the ever-changing nature
of existence.
5. The Allure of the American Dream: The novel explores the tension between
the desire for material comfort and the longing for a more authentic and
fulfilling existence.
6. Spirituality and Transcendence: The characters seek moments of
transcendence through their experiences on the road, whether through music,
drugs, or encounters with nature.

THE Narrative techniques:

1. Spontaneous Prose: Kerouac wrote the novel in a free-flowing, unedited

manner, aiming to capture the raw energy and immediacy of the experiences
depicted.

2. Stream-of-Consciousness: The story unfolds through the characters' thoughts,

impressions, and inner monologues, often presented in a fragmented and non-
linear manner. This technique allows readers to experience the characters'
stream of thoughts and emotions.

3. Descriptive Language: Kerouac employs sensory details and poetic imagery to

bring the settings to life, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and textures of
the road.

4. Dialogue: The novel features extensive dialogue, which plays a crucial role in
conveying the characters' personalities, relationships, and the dynamic nature of
their interactions. The dialogue is often fast-paced, reflecting the characters'
energetic and spontaneous nature.

5. Symbolism and Metaphor: Kerouac incorporates symbolism and metaphor

throughout the novel to convey deeper meanings and themes.

6. Rhythm and Repetition: Kerouac's writing in "On the Road" has a distinct
rhythm and cadence, influenced by jazz music and the Beat Generation's
fascination with spontaneous expression. He often employs repetition of phrases
and motifs, creating a sense of rhythm and musicality in the prose.
 Several groups of people may be interested in the novel "On The Road “ such as:
Literature Scholars and Academics, students and educators of literature, Kerouac
fans , beat generation scholars, general readers, and book clubs.
The research statement:
these elements will be discussed in the research:
•Identifying and analysing the prominent themes in "On The Road ”.
•Analysing the characters development in relation to the themes .
• The narrative techniques employed in the novel .
• Tracing modernist aspects in the novel .

 Literature Review :
This research is important and worthy because it allows to understand the author's
intentions, appreciate the literary craftsmanship, explore universal themes, enhance
critical thinking skills, engage in literary discourse, and experience personal growth
and enjoyment. It deepens the understanding of the novel and its significance,
fostering a more meaningful and rewarding reading experience.
Modernism is a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and
early 20th centuries. It is characterized by a radical departure from traditional forms
and conventions, as well as a focus on experimentation, self-reflection, and the
exploration of new ideas and perspectives. Modernist works often reflect the social,
cultural, and technological changes of the time.
Modernist theory refers to the critical and theoretical perspectives that emerged
alongside the modernist movement in literature, art, and culture during the late 19th
and early 20th centuries. It encompasses a range of ideas and approaches that seek
to understand and interpret the characteristics, themes, and innovations of
modernist works.

The Beat Generation: refers to a literary and cultural movement that emerged in the
United States during the 1950s. It was characterized by a group of writers and artists
who rejected mainstream societal values and sought alternative forms of expression
and lifestyle. The term "Beat" was coined by Jack Kerouac and refers to the idea of
being beaten down by society or feeling disenchanted with the status quo.
  Methodology:
Firstly, "On the Road" embraces experimentation with form and style. Kerouac
employs a stream-of-consciousness narrative technique, allowing the reader to
experience the characters' thoughts and emotions in a raw and unfiltered manner.
The novel also features a fragmented structure, with episodic and non-linear
storytelling, reflecting the disjointed nature of the characters' journeys and the
transient nature of their lives.

Secondly, the novel explores the subjective and interior experiences of the
characters. Kerouac delves into their inner thoughts, desires, and struggles,
presenting a nuanced portrayal of their individual quests for identity, meaning, and
connection. This focus on the characters' interiority aligns with the modernist
emphasis on the exploration of the human psyche and the complexities of human
experience.

Furthermore, "On the Road" challenges traditional notions of realism. Kerouac's

writing is filled with vivid imagery, poetic language, and symbolic motifs, creating a
heightened and stylized representation of reality. The novel also addresses social and
cultural issues of the time, such as the search for freedom, the rejection of societal
norms, and the impact of post-war America. These themes reflect the modernist
concern with the changing nature of society and the individual's place within it.

Lastly, "On the Road" exhibits self-reflexivity and metafictional elements. Kerouac
blurs the boundaries between fiction and reality, drawing attention to the act of
writing itself. The novel is based on Kerouac's own experiences and features thinly
veiled versions of real people, blurring the line between autobiography and fiction.
This self-consciousness and metafictional approach reflect the modernist interest in
questioning the nature of art and literature.

The research will be divided into different sections :

 First chapter
Literary Review about the novel and the Modernist theory .

 Second chapter
The novel analysis .

 Third chapter

Tracing modernist aspects with evidences from the novel.

  Conclusion

Jack Kerouac's novel "On the Road" exhibits several modernist aspects that align with
the literary movement of the early 20th century. Through a close analysis of the
novel, it becomes evident that Kerouac employs various techniques and themes that
are characteristic of modernist literature.

 References

Swartz, Omar. The view from On the Road: The rhetorical vision of Jack Kerouac. SIU
Press, 1999
Vopat, Carole Gottlieb. "Jack Kerouac’s On the Road: A Re-evaluation." Jack
Kerouac’s On the Road (2004): 3-18.
Creswell, Tim. "Mobility as resistance: a geographical reading of Kerouac's' On the
road'." Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers (1993): 249-262.