Part Three, Chapters 9-11: Summary
Sal, Dean, and their university friends depart from Ed Wall's farm and race through the darkness of Nebraska. Dean has never visited Chicago before and is eager to arrive. Reflecting on Dean's wild behavior, Sal observes that it's astounding how Dean can lose his mind and then effortlessly resume his essence—likely encapsulated in a speedy vehicle, a destination on the coast, and a woman awaiting him at the end of the journey.
While driving during the night, Dean reminisces about his past escapades in Nebraska and Indiana, where he attended a car race and a baseball match. He also recounts his escape from a prison in Arizona, his relocation to Los Angeles, and adopting a new identity. Dean fondly recalls meeting Marylou for the first time in Denver when she was just fifteen years old.
While cruising through Iowa, Dean zips by a swift car. The other motorist initiates a challenge, accelerating in front of the limousine. Dean keeps pace, overtaking one another in a thrilling exchange, until the rival driver eventually exits at a fuel stop, waving farewell. As Dean maintains their breakneck speed, Sal becomes increasingly anxious, unable to bear witnessing the potential for disaster. Convinced an accident is imminent, Sal retreats to the limo's rear, huddling on the floor. Shutting his eyes, he envisions the pavement whizzing by, a mere hair's breadth from his head.
On the outskirts of Des Moines, they experience a minor collision with another vehicle in traffic. Since no one is injured, they continue their journey to Illinois. Dean never rests, persistently driving the car. They have a hair-raising encounter when overtaking a truck on a narrow bridge, which scares everyone except Dean. He stops to give a lift to two bewildered vagrants who are astonished by the swift limousine ride. They comment on their surprise at reaching Chicago so quickly. Upon entering the city limits of Chicago, Sal estimates they have covered the 1180-mile distance from Denver in exactly seventeen hours.
In Chicago, they hide the Cadillac in an alley before heading to the college student's YMCA room to freshen up in the restroom. Afterward, they eat at the cafeteria and set off for an evening out. Their first stop is a jazz club, where they enjoy the performances of young, talented musicians. Sal reminisces about legendary jazz artists like Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, and Dizzy Gillespie. When the musicians depart the club, Sal and Dean follow them to another bar and stay there until 9 am. During their time there, they are excited to witness George Shearing make a guest appearance, with Dean exclaiming, "God has arrived."
While taking breaks between club sets, Sal and Dean cruise through Chicago in a limousine, searching for female companions. During their escapades, they inadvertently damage the vehicle and ruin its engine. At daybreak, they bring the limo back to its owner before hopping on a bus to return to the city center.
They journey to Detroit via bus, where Dean dozes off as Sal engages in a chat with an attractive yet uninteresting rural girl. Sal is curious about her life aspirations, but she fails to provide any insightful answers. Instead, she merely describes her mundane daily tasks
In Detroit, Sal and Dean find rest at a 24-hour cinema located in the heart of Skid Row. As they attempt to drift off, the constant repetition of two films contributes to strange cinematic dreams. While Sal tries to catch some sleep, theater attendants clear trash from the aisles. Sal recalls an embarrassing incident in Boston, where he dozed off in a...
(This entire section contains 796 words.)
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restroom stall while intoxicated. Though it was a humiliating experience, he ultimately understands that it holds no significance. He questions the distinction between heaven and earth, concluding that it's all a matter of perception.
They successfully hitch a ride to New York with a middle-aged family man, who asks for a four-dollar fare from each of them. The man appears to enjoy their company and is unperturbed by their odd conduct. Upon reaching Times Square, they immediately search for Elmer Hassel, their elusive drug-dealer friend. Subsequently, they visit Sal's aunt's new residence in Long Island. Although she is happy to see them, she informs Dean that his stay can only last a few days. Sal and Dean stroll to the seaside and pledge to maintain their lifelong friendship.
Five evenings later, Dean encounters a woman called Inez at a social gathering, and they develop a romantic connection. Dean proceeds to seek a divorce from Camille, and shortly after, Camille gives birth to Dean's child. A few months later, Inez and Dean also welcome a baby into the world. Dean relocates to live with Inez, resulting in Sal and Dean never making their intended trip to Italy.
