Part One, Chapters 1–2: Summary
In 1947, Sal Paradise, a newly single writer and student residing in New Jersey with his aunt, attends college in New York City. He is exhausted, isolated, and believes that "everything is lifeless." Sal recounts the initial encounter with Dean Moriarty and its impact on him. Their mutual acquaintance, Chad King, had shared thrilling stories about Dean. Dean, while in a New Mexico reformatory, had sent numerous letters to Chad, expressing his intention to visit New York. Sal eagerly anticipates meeting Dean.
Dean and his girlfriend, Marylou, arrive in New York City, where he shares his aspirations to learn writing with Sal and their friends, hoping they will assist him. Sal quickly takes a liking to Dean, though he refers to him as a "sacred swindler." Dean finds employment as a parking lot attendant and spends his leisure time with Sal and their friends. Sal introduces Dean to Carlo Marx, and the two become inseparable. Sal recognizes that both possess brilliant minds and are benefiting from one another's knowledge. Carlo informs Dean about their circle of friends, which includes Old Bull Lee, Elmer Hassel, Jane, Big Ed Dunkel, and Roy Johnson.
Dean leaves his job in the spring, ends his relationship with Marylou, and relocates to Denver in the west. Sal decides to join him and meet up with Dean and other buddies in the Mile High City. Despite Sal's aunt cautioning him about the likelihood of Dean causing him problems, Sal disregards her counsel due to his enthusiasm to venture west.
In July, Sal heads out for the West Coast with fifty dollars. Route 6 looks like a lovely red line across the country, so he decides that is the way to go. He rides the bus from the Big Apple to Bear Mountain, where he anticipates discovering Route 6. However, it begins to rain shortly thereafter, making Sal wet and unhappy. To make matters worse, no one offers to give him a lift, and he does not seem to locate Route 6. Once he finds a cab, the driver suggests that he take Route 6 via Pittsburgh. Sal takes a bus back to New York, bemoaning his wasted time and resolving to get to Chicago by whatever means necessary.
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