The Road Of Sal’s Spiritual Growth

Jack Kerouac is one of the most outstanding writers of twentieth century in American literature. His second novel, On the Road, is the most influential work which is published in 1957. It depicts the crazy experience of a group of young people who lose themselves in modern society and travel across America several times. It shows the protagonist Sal’s growing process from rebelling and escaping to returning back to society on the road of pursuing faith. It has received scholar’s extensive attention at home and abroad since it was published. They pay much attention to the studies based on the theory of existentialism, archetype theory and post-modernism but seldom on the perspective of initiation story. So this thesis attempts to interpret Sal’s spiritual growth from perspective of initiation story.The creative features of initiation story include the structural pattern of the protagonist’s growth, the guides on the growth road, the initiative theme and cultural elements. It usually shows the protagonist’s growing process from innocence to maturity. After experiencing the ordeals, the protagonist gets a new understanding of himself, life and society. This thesis reveals the protagonist Sal’s growing process from above four aspects.There are six chapters in this thesis.Chapter one is a brief introduction to Jack Kerouac’s life experience, the main contents of On the Road, as well as the significance and originality of this thesis.Chapter Two is the literature review from abroad and at home, thus it provides a new studying perspective of this novel.Chapter Three is theoretical foundation. It introduces the development and features of initiation story and regards On the Road as an initiation story.Chapter Four analyzes that Sal’s spiritual growth structure corresponds to the plot pattern of initiation story. After undergoes temptation, escape, ordeal and confusion, he gets epiphany and gains spiritual growth at last. It also indicates the important influence of guides and companion on the road.Chapter Five shows the initiative theme of Sal’s spiritual growth by his pursuit of true love, his responsibility to his family, his exploration of new faith and his reconciliation with society. It also analyzes the influence of cultural elements on Sal’s spiritual growth.Chapter Six is the conclusion. Sal is innocent at first, but at last he gains true love and takes his responsibility to family and society, at the same time he realizes the pursuit of faith is a long road. Only through constant exploration on the road can he gain the final growth. Sal’s spiritual growth points out a new direction for the innocent young. It encourages them to explore constantly on the road of faith pursuit.