in literature. In writing focused on outsiders,the writer may not be writing from the position

of someone outside the bounds of society simply having not experienced life in this context.

This is not the case with the writer Jack Kerouac whose life is one situated on the fringes of

society. Through his unconventional styles of writing Kerouac brings the existence of an

outsider, himself, to life. Two such examples of this are the novels On the Road and The Dharma

Bums in which Kerouac tells the stories of men that desire a life inconsistent of societal

demands. Through representation of himself, Kerouac gives a truthful, personal look at the

lives outsiders lead by showing the lifestyle choices that are made by the main characters.

A voice is given to a misrepresented group of people, allowing others in society to look within

themselves and perhaps learn something from examining an alternative way of living.

Lifestyle is a defining factor in determining if someone is indeed a societal outsider.

The choice of behaviour and thoughts that are not considered "normal" or "right" lead a person

novel as a "Buddhist parable" in the article Beat Topics: Buddhism. Smith and his friends call

and I agreed with him then" (Road 124).

(Road 173). Perhaps because of this belief in being born again the possibility of death was

his mind accepting alternative lifestyles as being something equal instead of being condemnable.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1558
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)