Kerouac's method of writing has been consistent throughout the novel. He has done a lot of characterization and dialogue. It was strange to me when he speak with more symbolism. I had not been noticing him discuss race much in the novel until recent chapters. This chapter particularly starts off with the topic out in the open. Sal is living alone and unhappy in Denver. As he walks the streets, he envies the Mexicans, Japanese, and blacks. He wants their lives, which he considers to be happier and more simple. He believes their lives are filled with joy and music. He criticizes himself for having white ambitions. He would rather be anything than white. This was very surprising for me to read. Especially because this book was written in the mid twentieth century, I would have expected Sal to do the opposite of aspiring to become these races. Racism still ran rampant and most people were voting for segregation. Some were still making claims that whites were better than blacks. Why this intelligent, white man would want to be anything otherwise completely took me by surprise. He has potential to become whoever he wants to be, yet he is focusing on others who conceivably have no more than him.
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