Allen Ginsberg Howl Analysis

Allen Ginsberg began writing “Howl” circa 1954, a time when homosexuality (and sexuality in general), profanity, vulgarity, and illicit drug use were so tabu that even writing about such subjects was considered illegal and warranted arrest. Ginsberg’s poem should be read with the understanding of how progressive, revealing, and dangerous it was within the contexts of society. It shattered walls, gave a voice to the vagabonds, free-spirits, artists, and erotic people of not only America but the world. It was these people that Ginsberg called “the best minds of my generation” and “Howl” is an ode to them, as they served as the inspiration and subjects of the piece. Although those who sold, purchased, and published “Howl” were initially arrested …show more content…
It’s the poetic expression of himself and the company he kept, unafraid or censored by the times in which they lived. A great deal of courage must have been mounted in order to pen a work such as this knowing prosecution was certain. Ginsberg refused to bat an eye as he constructed his lines, ones anchored with bases and given rhythm in the form of the poet’s breath. This technique alone makes one feel connected to the author, allows one to follow the train of thought used in its creation, and leaves readers physically and emotionally drained as Ginsberg’s words roll of their tongue. The wonderland inhabited by Ginsberg and his companions is vivid and real, the perils threatening and burning, the conclusion an affirmation of blessed goodness, and the entire work awe inspiring and intoxicating. For a poem that was highly provocative and nearly illegal in its time to still raise eyebrows fifty years later is a testament to its power, meaning, and writing. It’s of no surprise that once you begin reading you can’t resist being tugged down the rabbit hole into a tangible land of debauchery, expressionism, and illicit experiences, bound together by beautiful