The Dharma Bums
by Jack Kerouac
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Book Summary Information
Author: Jack KerouacEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1976-05-27
ISBN: 0140042520
Number of pages: 244
Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Book Reviews of The Dharma Bums
Book Review: spectacular beat writing, moving, something else
Summary: 5 Stars
Jack Kerouac's The Dharma Bums is a semi-autobiographical novel covering the lives of two exuberant Zen wanderers seeking illumination across America. The novel offers alternative lifestyles and incites personal examination. The book questions American customs and institutions and suggests living more monastically. Jack Kerouac's The Dharma Bums was a masterpiece to the Beat Generation but its messages of self-discovery and personal growth are universal to all people.
During Kerouac's youth he experienced the plight of the lower-mid class firsthand in Lowell, Massachusetts. This roused his discontent for American society and interest in counterculture. Later, Kerouac joined the Navy but was insubordinate and honorably discharged. This would frame his resentment for forms of authority and instituted rules. He met Lucien Carr, Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, and Neal Cassady who together composed the underground Beat Movement. The Beats can be described as weary groups of people who encouraged freedom of expression and creativity. The Beats ideals were present in all of Kerouac's work. He published numerous books but his two most famous works On the Road and The Dharma Bums would garner him national recognition. After 1961 Kerouac lived with his mother, no longer wrote, and died from years of alcoholism.
The Dharma Bums has a straightforward semi-autobiographical plot. The story is of two inquisitive men Ray Smith(Jack Kerouac) and Japhy Ryder(Gary Snyder) who "turn the wheel of the True Meaning, or Dharma, and gain merit for themselves as future Buddhas(Awakeners) and as future Heroes of Paradise"(5). They search for the truth of Zen. Then, Protagonist Ray Smith "followed the whole gang of howling poets to the reading at Gallery Six"(13). This event is recorded in Kerouac's life. This influential gathering of writers caused him to pursue writing. Next, Smith, Ryder, and Morley climb the Matterhorn Peak in California where the "trail had a kind of immortal look to it"(61). The novel ends with Smith's expedition to Desolation Peak where he lives isolated from people. These events are based Kerouac's life when he was hired to be a fire lookout for the U.S. Forest Service and was alone for 63 days. Overall, Kerouac emphasizes observations and images instead of climactic plot events.
Kerouac achieves multiple purposes. First and foremost, it spurs human reflection. Ray Smith says "I promised myself that I would begin a new life"(77). Though this is a lofty idea the novel accomplishes the goal of having readers at least question or examine their current existence. Smith also confesses "the world ain't so bad, when you got Japhies"(71). This reinforces the possibility of transcendence and optimism. The auto-biographical fiction successfully brought reality and unreality together. The novel also elicits strong emotions and the writing is energetic. The book unified the Beat Generation and brought later counterculture movements of the 60's together.
Kerouac's novel suggests many broad ideas. First, I think evidence in the book shows that people today should live more simply. Japhy highlights this point by being "brought up in a log cabin deep in the woods...an axman, farmer, interested in animals and Indian lore...with idealistic tendencies"(9). Through this I think that American society's negative standards of materialism, greed, and brutishness are exposed. A simpler spiritual life and personal-inquiry lead to higher truths and levels of humanity. Bohemian ideas are also presented. The "howling poets"(13) and healthy orgies"(34) promote the freedom of aesthetics and expression. The overarching idea is that as long as people take initiative anything in life is possible.
The book does have small flaws. Due to Ray Smith's first person narration many of the characters true psychology is unclear. There was little background information. One change that may have strengthened the book as a whole would have been the insight of surrounding people outside the Zen Lunatics. The final imperfection was the general assumption that the allusions to Buddhism would be understood, more depth in these areas were needed.
Kerouac's command of language and tone impact the overall read. Kerouac developed his own language called "spontaneous prose". Kerouac writes "My breath was coming out in steams. I rolled over to my other ribs and slept more: my dreams were pure cold dreams like ice water, happy dreams, no nightmares"(77). His rhythmic language method can not be understated. He improvises and breathes in his writing. The point is to have uninterrupted thoughts which gets the closest to the human consciousness. At the same time, the prose and poetry are intermixed. He experiments mainly with imagery and alliteration as Smith says "I crashed through bright brittle thickets and came out sweating and stomped ankle deep in streams"(121). The tone can be considered upbeat as their journeys are fast-paced and changing. Also, the mood of tranquility is present throughout as the characters are in an "emotional wilderness"(45). Constant references to Nature, prayer, and meditation produce this serene tone.
Jack Kerouac's The Dharma Bums covers multiple terrains. Kerouac's background and simple plot frame the proper context for the book. The book had few flaws and Kerouac commanded his use of language and tone. The novel's message of soul-searching and personal transformation make it relevant to all groups of people. Jack Kerouac is a hero to the Beats or people feeling weary and bogged down by American society. His messages ring clear for anyone willing to listen.
Summary of The Dharma Bums
One of the best and most popular of Kerouac's autobiographical novels, The Dharma Bums is based on experiences the writer had during the mid-1950s while living in California, after he'd become interested in Buddhism's spiritual mode of understanding. One of the book's main characters, Japhy Ryder, is based on the real poet Gary Snyder, who was a close friend and whose interest in Buddhism influenced Kerouac.
One of the best and most popular of Kerouac's autobiographical novels, The Dharma Bums is based on experiences the writer had during the mid-1950s while living in California, after he'd become interested in Buddhism's spiritual mode of understanding. One of the book's main characters, Japhy Ryder, is based on the real poet Gary Snyder, who was a close friend and whose interest in Buddhism influenced Kerouac. This book is a must-read for any serious Kerouac fan.
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