Chapter 2, January, February, into March Summary and Analysis

Here, Hunter S. Thompson takes readers deeper into the reality of politics and American society. Part of this is his sense of social awkwardness when he runs into the fact that politicians, journalists and some of the working people don't mix well. While helping stranded strangers get their vehicle back on the road, his new friends cheerfully tell him of how much they despise politicians. Later, during January, he explains to readers that his attire wasn't right for the milieu. Journalists in Washington, D.C. dress, he writes, "like bank tellers," (p.42). There in his Levi denim trousers - blue jeans especially drunk or hung over, Hunter had the feeling of not fitting in. He had tried to feel at home with those men on the road. Now he was trying to fit...