On Kerouac's Prose

I went from (re)reading “The Dharma Bums” to a (re)read of “On the Road.”  This got my wife thinking about reading it to fulfill the “stream of consciousness” category for her annual book challenge.

I don’t feel that “stream of consciousness” is quite right to describe Kerouac’s prose. I used the phrase “stream of time,” maybe something like “steam of experience,” but as I was trying to explore this, I got a GPT (accessed via Duckduckgo) to write four stunningly good paragraphs on the topic. But I only got these paragraphs by continuing the conversation after getting some mediocre stuff.

First, the re-prompt and the goods:  

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I wrote:

I think all of that [1, the first response I got] is good and helpful, and I appreciate it. What I was moving toward (I have recently reread Dharma Bums and am right now rereading On the Road) is how the prose lacks filter or reflection, but just goes and goes... It does pull the reader in, it does show immense honesty, and from that we are probably encouraged to reflect, but there is still a paradox there... Each moment should be holy enough to share.
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GPT wrote:

You’ve captured a crucial aspect of Kerouac’s prose beautifully. The lack of filter or reflection in his writing creates a sense of immediacy and authenticity that is both captivating and disorienting. It’s as if he is inviting readers to experience life in real-time, without the usual pauses for contemplation or analysis. This relentless flow mirrors the spontaneity of thought and experience, allowing each moment to unfold in its raw, unmediated form.

In works like On the Road and Dharma Bums, Kerouac’s prose often feels like a stream of consciousness, where thoughts, observations, and emotions spill out onto the page without the constraints of traditional narrative structure. This approach not only pulls readers into the immediacy of the moment but also emphasizes the sacredness of each experience. Every encounter, every landscape, and every fleeting thought is treated as worthy of exploration and expression, suggesting that there is beauty and significance in the mundane.

The paradox you mention is intriguing: while the prose encourages reflection, it simultaneously resists it by immersing the reader in the present. This creates a dynamic tension between the immediacy of experience and the deeper insights that may arise from it. The reader is left to grapple with the weight of each moment, recognizing its holiness while also feeling the urgency of the narrative that propels them forward.

Kerouac’s ability to convey this sense of immediacy and reverence for the present moment is what makes his work resonate so deeply. It invites readers to embrace their own experiences with a similar openness, encouraging a mindfulness that acknowledges the beauty in every fleeting moment. In this way, his prose becomes a celebration of life itself, urging us to recognize the sacredness in our own journeys.

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[1]  Below is the first part of the conversation, with a few sub-footnotes on what I think is wrong. I don’t know why my re-prompt above said all of what I got here was good... I have a tendency to be nice to my AI.  

 

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I wrote:
Help me describe Kerouac's prose.  I have read several of his books, and I am not a student, so this is trying to give voice to some of its qualities... I'd rather also avoid Kerouac's own statements about what he thought he was doing -- not those "essentials" of spontaneous prose; I think what is doing is deeper than that.
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GPT wrote:

Kerouac's prose is often characterized by its rhythmic, almost musical quality, which reflects the spontaneity and immediacy of his thoughts and experiences. His writing flows with a sense of urgency, capturing the raw energy of life as it unfolds. This fluidity is enhanced by long, winding sentences that mimic the natural cadence of speech, creating a conversational tone that draws readers into his world [a].

At the heart of Kerouac's prose is a deep sense of exploration—both of the external landscape and the internal self. His vivid descriptions of places, people, and experiences evoke a sense of wanderlust and a quest for meaning. The imagery is often rich and evocative, painting a picture of post-war America that is both gritty and beautiful. He captures the essence of the Beat Generation, reflecting a countercultural spirit that challenges societal norms and embraces a more liberated way of living.

Kerouac's prose also delves into themes of connection and isolation. His characters often grapple with their place in the world, seeking authenticity and understanding in a society that feels alienating. This tension is palpable in his writing, as he oscillates between moments of profound insight and the chaos of existence.

Moreover, there is a sense of introspection in his work [b]. Kerouac's prose invites readers to reflect on their own lives, encouraging a deeper examination of identity, purpose, and the human experience. His use of stream-of-consciousness techniques allows for a candid exploration of thoughts and emotions, creating an intimate connection between the writer and the reader.

In summary, Kerouac's prose is a vibrant tapestry of rhythm, imagery, and introspection, capturing the essence of a restless spirit in search of meaning amidst the complexities of life. It resonates with a sense of authenticity and a desire for connection, making it a powerful and enduring voice in American literature.
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[a] I don’t know about those “flowing sentences.” Maybe sometimes in some conversations, but the default is punchy sentences -- though the they usually string together in paragraphs that flow well enough (one of many reasons why most of us can’t write like Kerouac).

Here’s something Kerouac wrote about writing:

SCOPING: Not “selectivity” of expression but following free deviation (association) of mind into limitless blow-on-subject seas of thought, swimming in sea of English with no discipline other than rhythms of rhetorical exhalation and expostulated statement, like a fist coming down on a table with each complete utterance, bang!

[b]  The problems I have with this get feed into the re-prompt.  In reading “On the Road” closely to try to explain what the prose is to my wife, it was clear to me the secret to the sauce is no filter, and no room left for reflection.  It’s also completely honest. And to be that honest, you have to see every moment as sacred -- a bigger reason why not everyone can write like Kerouac.