The Dharma Bums

by Jack Kerouac

The Dharma Bums: Foil 1 key example

Foil
Explanation and Analysis—Japhy and Ray:

Japhy is a foil for Ray in the novel. Japhy's scholarly Buddhism (recall that Japhy is a fictionalized version of Gary Snyder, who translated ancient Chinese manuscripts into English) influences Ray's more experiential Buddhism. On the other hand, Japhy does embrace a practical Buddhism that influences Ray. For instance, Ray describes Japhy as practicing charity even better than Ray himself does, with gifts such as the prayer beads demonstrating a deep commitment to charity and inspiring Ray's future meditations.