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�Carolyn Elizabeth Robinson Cassady is known more for her association with Neal Cassady and Jack Kerouac than for her own achievement, which is laudable and extensive. Her writing, paintings, and theatrical designs have all won awards, and her life has been an example of generous involvement and sharing� (Walsh 81).
On the surface, it would seem that Carolyn Cassady was merely a devoted housewife like the rest of the wives in the fifties. It is a misperception to think that Carolyn fit into the stereotypical role of doting wife; not only was a she a �at the core of the great Beat trio of Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Neal Cassady� (Knight 57), she is an extensively innovative person in her own right.
The youngest of five, Carolyn was raised in a strict
Victorian household in Lansing, Michigan and then in Nashville Tennessee.
Her family was influenced by their British forbearers, so they attempted to
raise their family with the same Victorian ideals. They expected Carolyn to
act like a controlled, domestic young lady, which Carolyn found extremely
stifling. Although her family was strict and somewhat pretentious, they did
see the importance of education. Carolyn states, �I was blessed with
parents whose mission in life was to give their children security and
education above all else. This was intended to provide them with a
blueprint for a rich and rewarding future life� (Walsh 81). They were not
as accepting, though, when Carolyn found her true calling in art, design,
and acting. Her parents wanted Carolyn to go to plays, and to participate
in genteel events, but they did not want her to actually take part in the
plays because, as Carolyn recalls �they did not approve of life upon the
wicked stage for young ladies� (Walsh 82). Carolyn accepted this; giving up
acting to focused on set design for plays. While attending Ward-Belmont, she
won many prestigious awards for her paintings and set designs.
Written
by:
Elisabeth Massie
Last updated: 14 March 2006