An Analysis of The Nature And Significance of Shu Guozhi's “Beat Generation”-Style Road Wanderings

舒国治“垮掉一代”式的公路流浪本质与意义探微

Abstract

Abstract

Shu Guozhi embarked on a solo road trip across the American continent, a journey of perpetual wandering deeply inspired by the spirit of the 1960s Beat Generation. Unlike the boundless indulgence and wild abandon often associated with that movement, Shu’s
journey embraced a gentler, more liberating exploration of life. Carrying a sense of bewilderment and frustration, he roamed endlessly across America’s vast landscapes, seeking to confront and understand his own uncertainties. Shu’s journey was marked by
his personal rhythm, free from the constraints of fame and success. Through the Beat Generation’s iconic road-wandering ethos, he pursued a broader space for life’s possibilities. He was guided by the intrinsic mobility of “On the Road”, desiring to break
free from the rigid life patterns imposed by society and others. To Shu, this continuous migration served as a quiet rebellion against the monotony of modern social order. Rejecting society’s simplistic, repetitive lifestyle, he chose instead the path of constant
movement, seeking answers from the natural world. Through his journey, Shu expressed himself, protested against societal norms, and embarked on a quest for the essence of life.

Keywords: Shu Guozhi, highway, wandering, Beat Generation, nature