Stories of storytellers: the rhythm of life in Jack Kerouac’s, William Saroyan’s, and Thomas Wolfe's writing methods

Abstract

This thesis aims to explore the essential principles of “Spontaneous Prose”, the innovative approach to writing championed by Jack Kerouac. It traces the lineage of this literary technique back to the influential works which profoundly shaped his artistic sensibilities. The primary focus is placed on the seminal contributions of Thomas Wolfe and William Saroyan. Through a convergence of influences drawn from Wolfe's vivid portrayal of American life and Saroyan's provocative narrative style, Kerouac's journey as a writer is marked by an exploration of empathy, immediacy of experience, and the tension between the self and the world. This study delves into the historical backdrop and formative influences that underpin the emergence of an innovative writing technique that embraces the concrete experience of life. At its core, “Spontaneous Prose” is epitomized by a celebration of orality and the immediate and visceral relationship between the writer and the object of narration. It starkly contrasts the structured and meticulously planned approach of traditional literature, advocating instead for a more direct and authentic engagement with the human experience. With an accurate analysis of selected short stories by Wolfe, Saroyan, and Kerouac, this study offers readers a nuanced understanding of the origins and evolutionary trajectory of this writing method, born to capture the rhythm of life on paper.