Bud is a physically imposing, overly serious man who quit a career in physics and philosophy in order to become a Buddhist. He takes the religion to heart and, along with Ray, is the only other single member of Sean and Japhy’s friend group. As a result, Bud and Ray often end up hanging out or trying to meet girls together. His real name is Claude Dalenberg.
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Bud Diefendorf Character Timeline in The Dharma Bums
The timeline below shows where the character Bud Diefendorf appears in The Dharma Bums. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 25
...Jones and Patsy, his fiancée. The odd men out are Ray and the burly, blond Buddhist Bud Diefendorf, a former physicist and philosopher. Ray notes that Sean is superstitious and kindhearted,...
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...day, Ray points out a kite that can’t fly properly because of its short tail. Bud, who’s overly serious, decides that this is a metaphor for his trouble meditating and obsesses...
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Chapter 28
...like during all the other parties. Inside, Ray dances and plays bongo drums with Sean, Bud, Alvah, and his friend George. In the yard, Rheinhold Cacoethes rants about the state of...
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...sleeping bag on the grass when Alvah comes outside to chat and read poetry. Then, Bud decides to go see if there are any girls still around Christine’s house. In the...
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