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About this quote

What does it mean?
Kerouac complains that specific subcultures misinterpret his work to fit their own ideologies.
In plain terms
He says others are misusing his writing to support their weird beliefs.
What can you take from it?
Readers often project their own agendas onto an author's work.

Where it applies

  • literary criticism
  • fan communities
  • artistic intent

Putting it to work

  • clarify artistic intent
  • set reader expectations

Questions to consider

  • How much meaning belongs to the author versus the reader?
  • Can art ever truly be separated from its context?

Another view

Authors may not fully control how their work is received.

More from Jack Kerouac

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