Introduction
Jack Kerouac is a legendary American writer who rose to fame during the Beat generation. Born in Massachusetts in 1922, Kerouac is known for his iconic novel “On the Road,” a story about his travels across the United States with his friends. While there is a lot that has been said about Kerouac, there are still some surprising facts about him that many people don’t know. In this post, we will explore seven of these facts.
1. Jack Kerouac Was An Athlete
Most people think of Kerouac as a writer, but he was also an athlete. In fact, he received a football scholarship to Columbia University. He played as a running back and punter but was forced to quit due to an injury.
2. Jack Kerouac Was A Prolific Reader
Kerouac was an avid reader who consumed books at a rapid pace. He once said, “the only true happiness in life is to be a chronic reader.” He read books of various genres ranging from classic literature to pulp fiction.
3. Jack Kerouac Was Bipolar
Kerouac struggled with bipolar disorder for most of his life. In his book “On the Road,” he wrote about his manic episodes and the struggle to control his emotions. He often turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with his mental health issues.
4. Jack Kerouac Was A Buddhist
Kerouac was drawn to Buddhism in the late 1950s, and it had a significant impact on his life and work. He even wrote a book called “The Scripture of the Golden Eternity,” which included a collection of poems and teachings that reflected his spiritual beliefs.
5. Jack Kerouac Was Multilingual
Kerouac was fluent in French and used it in his writing. He even translated French literature into English. He was also interested in learning Spanish and started studying it later in life.
6. Jack Kerouac Was Friends With Allen Ginsberg
Kerouac was good friends with fellow Beat writer, Allen Ginsberg. They met at Columbia University and shared a deep bond of friendship. Ginsberg encouraged Kerouac to pursue his writing career and supported him throughout his life.
7. Jack Kerouac’s Original Manuscript Was On A Roll of Paper
Kerouac wrote the first draft of “On the Road” on a continuous 120-foot-long scroll of paper using a typewriter. He didn’t want to interrupt his flow of writing by stopping to change the paper in the typewriter. The scroll is now on display at the Smithsonian Museum.
FAQs
Q. Was Jack Kerouac a drug addict?
A. Kerouac struggled with drug addiction for most of his adult life. He used drugs and alcohol to cope with his emotional issues.
Q. What inspired Jack Kerouac to write “On the Road”?
A. Kerouac wrote “On the Road” based on his experiences traveling around the country with his friends. The novel is a semi-autobiographical account of his adventures on the road.
Q. Was Jack Kerouac successful during his lifetime?
A. While Kerouac achieved some success during his lifetime, he never attained the level of fame and recognition that he enjoys today. “On the Road” was rejected by several publishers before it was finally published in 1957.
Q. What genre did Jack Kerouac write in?
A. Kerouac is known for writing in the Beat style. His writing is characterized by a spontaneous and free-flowing narrative, which was a departure from the traditional literary style of the time.
Q. Who were Jack Kerouac’s literary influences?
A. Kerouac was influenced by several writers, including Walt Whitman, Thomas Wolfe, and William Burroughs.
Q. Was Jack Kerouac married?
A. Kerouac was married three times, but none of his marriages were successful. He struggled with relationships throughout his life.
Q. What is the legacy of Jack Kerouac?
A. Jack Kerouac is considered one of the most important writers of the Beat generation. His work has had a significant impact on American literature and inspired a countercultural movement that continues to this day.
Conclusion
Jack Kerouac was a complicated and fascinating individual. While he is best known for his book “On the Road,” there is so much more to his life story. From his athletic prowess to his spiritual beliefs, Kerouac was a man of many talents and interests. As we continue to discover more about his life and work, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of writers and readers.