Raoul Duke

Raoul Duke is a fictional character and the alter ego of Hunter S. Thompson, a prominent American journalist and author. Duke is best known as the protagonist of Thompson's novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, which is a gonzo journalism account of a drug-fueled road trip to Las Vegas, Nevada.

Character Overview

Raoul Duke is depicted as a journalist who embarks on a journey to cover a motorcycle race in Las Vegas, but the assignment quickly devolves into a chaotic exploration of the American dream, fueled by a vast array of psychoactive drugs. The character is often seen wearing aviator sunglasses, a Hawaiian shirt, and a bucket hat, which have become iconic symbols associated with Thompson himself.

Literary Significance

The character of Raoul Duke is a central figure in the genre of gonzo journalism, a style of journalism that blends factual reporting with fictional elements and first-person narrative. This style was pioneered by Hunter S. Thompson and is characterized by its subjective perspective and satirical tone.

Cultural Impact

Raoul Duke has become a cultural icon, representing the countercultural movements of the 1960s and 1970s. The character's adventures in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas have been adapted into a film directed by Terry Gilliam, starring Johnny Depp as Duke. The film has contributed to the enduring popularity of the character and the novel.

See Also

• Hunter S. Thompson
• Gonzo journalism
• Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (film)
• Counterculture of the 1960s

External Links

• Hunter S. Thompson on WikiMD
• Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas on WikiMD