Book II, Part III - Passing Through America Again: Chapters 71 - 72 Summary

The poverty and conditions in Mexico alarm Angie. Jack relays the efforts the government is making to improve the lives of its residents and assures her that great strides have been made thus far.

Back on the bus, Angie tells Jack that she fears the mountains. Convinced that they are a portent of doom, she is nervous and slightly paranoid.

At last, the Duluozes arrive in San Francisco. It is dawn and Jack is horrified that it looks so solemn and ugly. This is not the San Francisco that is at the heart of the Beat Generation! Where are the colors, the lights, the jazz, and the interesting people? No words can console Jack and take away Angie's first impression of her son's...