On the Road

Historical Context and Significance

Jack Kerouac's «On the Road» is one of the key works of the Beat Generation and is regarded as one of the greatest books of 20th-century American literature. Published in 1957, the book became a symbol of a generation seeking freedom, self-discovery, and a break from conformity through travel, spiritual exploration, and literary experimentation. By depicting the travels of the author and his friends across the United States and Mexico, this work had a profound influence on Beat culture, inspiring many young people to explore themselves and their place in the world. The book also transformed narrative styles with its fast-paced, vibrant style based on jazz improvisation, impacting subsequent literary generations. Kerouac, in describing his adventures, poignantly and truthfully captured the spirit of the time, making «On the Road» not just a novel but a documentary testament of the era.