This work revolves round the analysis of Jack
Kerouac's complex identity and his main
artistic inspirations. Even though the writer
was born in Lowell, MA, he was raised in a
Franco-American family with strong bonds with
the QuŽbec region. The resultant split
identity led to deep existential doubts that
Kerouac was never able to overcome. However,
the awareness of his cultural dichotomy proved
extremely important for his own work. Indeed,
the Beat author was able to reach an original
poetics which was inspired by both American
and French writers. Despite Kerouac's
innovative style and writing method, an
analysis of the artists who influenced his
work could help contextualize and better
understand his literary and linguistic genius.