Independent Reading, Post #14
This key quote happens in Chapter 10.
Sal Paradise hooks up with Rita Bettencourt, a waitress in Denver. They are in an apartment, lying in bed together, when Sal asks her what she wants out of life. She replies, "I don't know, just wait on tables and get along."
They lie for a bit longer, when the important quote happens...
"She turned away wearily. We lay on our backs, looking at the ceiling and wondering what God had wrought when He made life so sad." (page 58)
Though OTR seems to glorify the careless/carefree attitude of the Beat Generation, it shows its pitfalls. The author recognizes that a life without responsibilities is empty.
This is a major theme throughout the book. This sentiment is expressed in this quote in the specific scene. Sal has meaningless sex, lies on his back, and reflects that life is "sad". Sad, indeed.
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