I am intrigued by portrayal of Sal's aunt because it is drastically different from the rest of the women. She has this power over Sal, Carlo and Dean because she is their source of food, shelter and expenses, especially seen when she pays Dean's fine. She seems to be the sole representation of woman's strength during this time period. Sal even says at one point "My aunt once said the world would never find peace until men fell at their women's feet and asked for forgiveness." She seems to represent that whole idea of "moral motherhood". However, I find it strange though that she would not try to convince the women in the novel, especially Marylou, to take more charge in their lives. Also, I honestly can't see why she would just stick around with a bunch of guys who are like kids to her. Is this just Kerouac counteracting her strength to keep the women inferior in the book? Or does Sal's aunt have an ulterior motive for keeping her mouth shut and helping Sal and his friends out?