Why does the open road symbolize freedom to many of the characters? Do you agree, or have similar experiences? What makes you feel free?

The open road symbolizes freedom to many of the book's characters. Why do you think that was? Do you agree, or have similar experiences? What makes you feel free?

I think it was because they weren't forced to answer to anyone. Plus I think being on the road and on motorcycles gave them and escape from their memories and visions they carried in their heads. I don't have that feeling of being on the "road". I do have the sense of freedom at the ocean, wandering the streets of NYC losing myself in a good book.

Being on the "open roads" is the opposite of "settling down" which implies living within the rules of a society. Early in our history people/individuals left settlements to find freedom from preset rules and expectations which they found too restricting. Some wanted complete freedom while others wanted to make their own settlements that embraced those beliefs they ascribed to. The veterans in this novel can no longer live in communities that expect them to return to the rules and expectations of a society that has no idea of how war has changed them and who cannot put their war experience in a nice, neat compartment marked "that's over."

I believe the open road gives them a sense of freedom, the ability to go wherever they want without the restrictions of being in the service and having to constantly follow someones rules.

One is in control of their path in the open highway. They are free to go where they wish

These book characters as a whole are mindless and immature. Therefore I think going anyplace without much restraint would be appealing to them. Why is feeling free such a need?

It does symbolize freedom and lack of restraint, but is that healing and learning to reengage with society?

I think it's the "Zen" of it - that the road just IS, for the characters. There's no real thought, no need to report to anyone, just... move. I think feeling that sense of freedom is pretty rare these days, with all our responsibilities & such. I sometimes feel like that when I'm backpacking or when I'm running.

I think that because riding a motorcycle doesn't engage the mind as much, it (like running) allows one to ruminate on one's problems or concerns, and from that standpoint I do think it can provide a context for healing.

Driving my car in the countryside makes me feel free too!

On the open road there are usually no expectations or schedules you have to follow or places you have to be. In this story it seems like the veterans hadn't completely processed their experiences at war. Their family members were struggling as well because of this. I think the open road will help them process what happened to them and their fellow soldiers so they can come back as better family members.

I think the open road symbolizes escape. And that's good and bad. Escaping the humdrum, escaping the ordinary, but also escaping responsiblities. It leaves you to feel like you are the only person who matters in that moment. But that's not true, its not real life

I think the open road means no rules and responsibilities, no schedule, no obligations, no definite direction - the exact opposite of military life (or prison life which was used as a comparison at some point in the story). I think the open road of the American Southwest exemplifies all of these traits perfectly. I love road trip stories, and this novel would have benefited from more focus on the journey to Kleos, and less focus on Kleos itself.

As others have said, the open road symbolizes freedom to the characters because they do not have to answer to anyone and are free to go where and when they wish. Personally, I know I occasionally get very restless for a "road trip." And I do not ride a motorcycle, that's just by automobile.