Rhythm Through The Eyes and Ears
Jack Kerouac a notable member of the Beat Generation worked closely with his fellow poets whom he described as “evil and intelligent buncha bastards” (Kerouac 8). Kerouac was inspired by the atypical talent surrounding him, including other artists such as jazz musician Charlie Parker. As a testament to Parker and the genre of bebop music, Kerouac incorporated jazz into the live reading of his work Mexico City Blues. Ultimately punctuation, or the intentional absence of it fosters rhythm within his music and spoken language.
Within the “240th Chorus” of Mexico City Blues, Kerouac describes Parker’s rise in popularity in a story-like manner. He begins by highlighting how Parker deserved more recognition and describes a performance that led to his rise.
“Musically as important as Beethoven,
Yet not regarded as such at all,
…In perfect tune & shining harmony,
Toot — as listeners reacted
Without showing it…” (Kerouac 54)
As Kerouac reads the piece aloud there is an emphasis on the punctuation present which enhances the story. The pauses held with every comma and dash aid the rhythm of the story of Parker's rise. Keuroac ends the section with Parker's peak (his claim to fame) by contrasting the previous punctuated material with no punctuation.
And soon the whole joint is rocking
And everybody is talking and
Charlie Parker
Whistling them on to the bring of eternity
With his Irish St Patrick patootle stick…” (Kerouac 55 )
These lines represent the climax of the party and conversation surrounding Parker's career. Kerouac reads these lines aloud in a single breath that transitions the slow rhythm of the poem to an upbeat one, rhythmically mirroring the energy of Parker’s performance.
Interestingly enough, there is a complete lack of punctuation even within the shortened title of “Saint Patrick” where there should be a period after “St[.]”A lack of punctuation occurs throughout the entire work pacing the poem and rhythmically shifting emphasis throughout.
The inclusion of music adds another layer of sensory experience to the piece that cannot be interpreted simply by reading the work. Within the “211th Chrous,” a combination of rhythm through both punctuation and music gives more life to the piece.
“Pigs, turtles, frogs, insects, nits,
Mice, lice, lizards, rats, roan
Racinghrses…” (Kerouac 53)
While Kerouac reads the previous quote, the beat of the music in the background plays on the off-beat. For example, when Kerouac reads “lice” after he finishes the instruments play their downbeat in loose syncopation. This continues for the whole quote and following quotes throughout the work.
Utilizing rhythm through punctuation aids in creating a flow to Kerouac's piece. However, the incorporation of both punctuation and music adds another level of complexity and enhances the evocations of Charlie Parker. It creates engagement both on a sensory level through the ears and a visual level while reading with the eyes.
Charters, Ann. The Portable Beat Reader. Penguin Books, 1992, p. 8
Kerouac, Jack. “from Mexico City Blues.” The Portable Beat Reader, edited by Ann Charters, Penguin Books, 1992, pp. 53–56.
Klact. “Jack Kerouac Reads Mexico City Blues.” YouTube, YouTube, 21 Jan. 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcUFm6xVz3w.
