On the Road Lesson Plan

What does Mexico represent to Dean and Sal, and why is it so enticing to them?

To Dean and Sal, Mexico emerges as the fabled land they had been seeking throughout their numerous journeys. For Sal, Mexico represents an escape from the conventional, white American lifestyle. Here, they find affordable beer, cigarettes, and the freedom to indulge in copious amounts of marijuana. The allure of readily available visits to brothels adds to the appeal. All of these experiences come at a low cost, but more importantly, what makes Mexico enticing is the apparent lack of interference from the authorities and local citizens. It seems that the police and people of Mexico are...