Yes, you can read Dharma Bums before On the Road. Dharma Bums is a novel written by Jack Kerouac in 1958. It follows two friends who are searching for spiritual enlightenment through hiking and meditation.
Here are some reasons why it makes sense to read Dharma Bums before On The Road:
• It was published first, so reading it in chronological order gives readers an understanding of how Kerouac's style developed over time.
• It offers insight into the Beat Generation movement and its influence on American culture during this period.
• Its plot explores themes like friendship, spirituality, and freedom that both novels share in common but from different perspectives.
In conclusion, reading Dharma Bums before On The Road provides a better context for understanding this era of literature as well as giving readers a more comprehensive look at Kerouac’s writing style and themes he explored throughout his works.