The Dharma Bums

Historical Context and Significance

«The Dharma Bums» is a work by American writer Jack Kerouac, first published in 1958. The book is an important part of the Beat literary movement, reflecting the exploration of American society, cultural aspirations, and the inner quests of the youth of the 1950s. The plot revolves around the travels of the main character and his friends across the United States and Mexico in search of personal freedom and spiritual enlightenment. The work reflects Kerouac's interest in Buddhism and its influence on the American counterculture of that era. The book had a significant impact on the 1960s generation, promoting ideas of freedom, self-discovery, and a critical view of societal norms.