Skip to content

Bigs Quote by Jack Kerouac

“When the railroad trains moaned, and river-winds blew, bringing echoes through the vale, it was as if a wild hum of voices, the dear voices of everybody he had known, were crying: "Peter, Peter! Where are you going, Peter?" And a big soft gust of rain came down. He put up the collar of his jacket…” quote by Jack Kerouac
Download Open image
“When the railroad trains moaned, and river-winds blew, bringing echoes through the vale, it was as if a wild hum of voices, the dear voices of everybody he had known, were crying: "Peter, Peter! Where are you going, Peter?" And a big soft gust of rain came down. He put up the collar of his jacket, and bowed his head, and hurried along.”

Jack Kerouac

About This Quote

Source Novel: On the Road by Jack Kerouac, 1957

A nostalgic recollection of past acquaintances urging the protagonist forward, blending sensory detail with emotional longing.

In simple terms: Memories of friends call out as he moves on.

Key Takeaway

Heed the call of the past while moving forward.

Themes

nostalgia journey identity memory solitude

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • travel
  • personal transition
  • reflection
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

existential reflection sensory imagery inner conflict

Questions to Reflect On

  • What voices from your past guide you?
  • How do you balance nostalgia with progress?
A Different Perspective

The emotional weight may overwhelm decision‑making.

3.0 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Jack Kerouac

Explore all 936 Jack Kerouac quotes

More Bigs quotes

Browse all 15,542 Bigs quotes