The Dharma Bums
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Main Characters and Their Development
- Ray Smith - the alter ego of the author himself, represents a truth-seeker and freedom-seeker traveling across America. Ray strives to find spiritual enlightenment and the true meaning of life by traveling and studying Buddhism.
- Japhy Ryder - based on Kerouac's real-life friend, Gary Snyder. Japhy serves as Ray's guide into the world of Buddhism and nature. He is energetic, loves the mountains and nature, and embodies harmony and enlightenment.
- Alvah - a friend of Ray and Japhy, less noticed in the spiritual quest but also participates in discussions about Buddhism and the meaning of life.
Date of publication: 14 May 2024
Last updated: 13 July 2024
———The Dharma Bums
Author:
Genre: Classical literature