The Road Summary and Analysis

In chapter one of "The Road," Johnny talks about the sameness of the road and that he likes to think of the young musician just working to learn about the travels. His own bus is called Unit One and Johnny says that he is comfortable there. On a particular day, he's traveling toward northern California and thinks about a particular song segment before his thoughts turn to Pete Barnhill, Johnny's friend when Johnny is thirteen. Pete is a victim of polio and one arm and leg are underdeveloped. Johnny says other children make fun of him but Johnny admires his musical talent. Johnny himself inherited his love of music from his mother and she from her father, John L. Rivers. Johnny says that his mother believes in his gift while his father believes Johnny's love of music a waste...