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Part 3, Chapter 2
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in On the Road, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Freedom, Travel, and Wandering
Society, Norms, and Counterculture
Friendship
Writing
America
Privilege and Prejudice
Summary
Analysis
Dean and Sal went to a bar to plan their trip. Dean wanted to go to Denver and find his father. He said that he didn’t need Marylou anymore, even though he still loved her. Before leaving San Francisco, Sal and Dean drove around with their friend Roy Johnson and tried to find Remi. Sal went to where Remi used to live, but couldn’t find him.
Dean’s missing father could be part of the reason for Dean’s restlessness, the thing he is actually searching for. Before leaving San Francisco, Sal and Dean decide to have fun with their friends.
Themes
Sal decided to go see Galatea, whom Ed had recently left in order to go to Denver. Galatea said that she was sure Ed would come back to her. Sal “got to like” Galatea, so she went out with Dean, Sal, and a girl named Marie for a night on the town.
Galatea has been left behind by Ed just as Dean has repeatedly left Camille and Marylou behind. Yet Galatea has a quiet confidence in the settled-down life, believing that Ed will return.
Themes
Galatea criticized Dean for leaving Camille, and Sal tried to defend him. Galatea scolded Dean for traveling east and leaving Camille to look after their children. Sal reflected on Dean and thought he was “the HOLY GOOF,” and “Beat—the root, the soul of Beatific.”
Galatea criticizes Dean’s selfishness in prioritizing his own freedom and enjoyment over caring for his family. For Sal, Dean’s eccentricity is a kind of saintliness, as he punningly links the words Beat and Beatific (which means blessed).
Themes
