Women's Identity in On The Road depth of character. Women are stereotyped as belonging to one of three categories: virginal, maternal, or promiscuous, and, throughout the novel, are referred to in facetious and derogatory ways. “Sal,” the protagonist, expresses sexist attitudes, which result from both his upbringing and the societal attitudes of the time. Although the novel highlights the problem of sexism, it ultimately does nothing to criticize it, but in fact projects it. In On The Road, there are many instances in which female identity is diminished. These arise in the novel's treatment of female characters such as "Marylou" (a friend of Sal's and one of the two wives of another central character, Dean), Sal's aunt, and "Terry" (a little friend of Sal). Marylou, for example, is treated like an object for the sole purpose of satisfying Dean's wishes. He uses her for his own sexual gratification and, in some cases, that of his friends, but does not view her as a complex person nor does he appreciate her for her personality. Thus, Marylou is perceived by the male characters as belonging to the category of “promiscuous” and is described in the novel as a “whore”. At the end of "part one" of the novel, the reader witnesses the unfair treatment of Sal's aunt. Sal has just returned from his first trip west and is tired and hungry. Taking advantage of his aunt's sympathy, he eats everything at her house. However, he expresses no gratitude for this kindness, but takes it for granted. Thus, her aunt is only seen as a mother figure. He doesn't look Bey... middle of paper ...... This perception of female identity causes the men in the novel to feel superior and dominant. The sexual discrimination and denigration of female identity evident in On The Road are a reflection of the societal attitudes of the time. Works cited and consulted: Bartlett, Lee. The Beats: Critical Essays. Jefferson, NC: McFarland. 1981. Cassady, Carolyn. Heartbeat: My Life with Jack and Neal. Berkeley: Creative Arts Book Society. 1976. Cassady, Neal. “Letter to Jack Kerouac.” March 7, 1947.Challis, Chris. Kerouac's Quest. London: Faber and Faber Limited. 1984. Dardess, George. “The Delicate Dynamics of Friendship: A Reconsideration of Kerouac on the Road.” American literature. v46:200-206. 1974.Kérouac, Jack. On the road. New York: Penguin Books Limited. 1955. Watson, Steven. The birth of the Beat Generation. new York: 1978