"Howl"

Paper Summary:

"Howl", Allen Ginsberg's revolutionary poem, focuses on sex, drugs and misery. The paper shows that, divided into three sections, the poem's raw style and chilling images represent the best model of Ginsberg's writing. Flashes of weakness, brought on by drug misuse, are countered by joyful sexual romps; these two situations create even more despair as the poem continues. What was once passion turns to heartbreak; speed-induced frenzies end in gutters. The paper shows that Ginsberg's strongest message is one against the quintessential oppressor, as personified by the monster Moloch, who is eventually defeated.

From the Paper:

"Ginsberg, however, does not see "Howl" as a negative poem. Rather, he is "talking about a realization of love. LOVE" (Shadow). "Howl" is considered Allen Ginsberg's howl condemning the ills of society, but with whom does he identify? He addresses himself when he states that whole intellects "howled on their knees in the subway & were dragged off the roof waving genitals & manuscripts" (Ginsberg Collected 128, l.35.) Ginsberg also alludes to his days at Colombia, his trips to Texas, and his obsession with William Blake (Schumacher 202)."

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