Howl by Allen Ginsberg

A story of rebellion

About the Author

Allen Ginsberg, born June 3, 1926, in Newark, NJ, was an influential American poet and a leading figure of the Beat Generation, a literary movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Ginsberg studied at Columbia University, where he met key Beat figures like Jack Kerouac and William S. Burroughs. His most famous work, “Howl,” published in 1956, challenged societal norms and censorship, marking a significant moment in literary and cultural history. Ginsberg’s poetry often addressed themes of social justice, sexuality, and spirituality. Throughout his life, he was a vocal advocate for free speech, human rights, and the countercultural movements of the 1960s.

About the Poem

“Howl,” written by Allen Ginsberg in 1956, is a highly influential work of the Beat Generation. The poem is divided into three parts, each with its own unique style and focus. Ginsberg’s vivid imagery, emotional intensity, and rhythmic language create a powerful critique of American society and explore the depths of collective suffering. “With affectionate sympathy, the poem ultimately suggests that the ‘mad’ rebels are really the only sane exceptions to the insane culture of 20th-century America” (LitCharts). This line captures the central theme of “Howl.” Ginsberg portrays the individuals not as mere outcasts but as figures who see the truth of their society’s madness. His sympathy for these “mad” rebels is evident throughout the poem.

Part One: The Destruction of the “Best Minds”

The opening lines of “Howl” immediately immerse the reader in a world of despair, “I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked, dragging themselves through the negro streets at dawn looking for an angry fix, angelheaded hipsters burning for the ancient heavenly connection to the starry dynamo in the machinery of night” (Ginsberg). Here, Ginsberg introduces the “best minds” who are driven to madness by their oppressive forces of society. The phrase “starving hysterical naked” conveys their desperate state, both physically and mentally. The “angelheaded hipsters” seek a spiritual connection in a world dominated by mechanization and dehumanization, symbolized by the “starry dynamo in the machinery of night.”

The repetition of “who” at the beginning of each line creates a series of suffering and rebellion, which emphasizes the collective experience of these individuals. The poem states, “who poverty and tatters and hollow-eyed and high sat up smoking in the supernatural darkness of cold-water flats floating across the tops of cities contemplating jazz, who bared their brains to Heaven under the El and saw Mohammedan angels staggering on tenement roofs illuminated” (Ginsberg). The contrast of imagery highlights the dual nature of their existence; their visions lift them up, but the harsh realities pull them back down.

Part Two: The Tyranny of Moloch

The second part of “Howl” introduces Moloch, a symbol of the dehumanizing forces of capitalism, industrialization, and war. Ginsberg’s repetitive use of Moloch highlights its widespread and destructive power. “Moloch! Solitude! Filth! Ugliness! Ashcans and unobtainable dollars! Children screaming under the stairways! Boys sobbing in armies! Old men weeping in the parks! Moloch! Moloch! Nightmare of Moloch! Moloch the loveless! Mental Moloch! Moloch, the heavy judger of men!” (Ginsberg). Moloch represents the societal structures that crush individuality and creativity. Ginsberg describes it as a “loveless” and “mental” force that imposes judgment and suffering. The relentless rhythm and repetition create a sense of entrapment and inevitability, which mirrors the poem’s themes of confinement and despair.

Part Three: Solidarity

In the third part, Ginsberg turns his focus to a personal connection, addressing his friend Carl Solomon, who was institutionalized.

“Carl Solomon! I’m with you in Rockland

where you’re madder than I am

I’m with you in Rockland

where you must feel very strange

I’m with you in Rockland

where you imitate the shade of my mother

I’m with you in Rockland

where you’ve murdered your twelve secretaries” (Ginsberg.)

This section is marked by a repetition of “I’m with you in Rockland,” expressing solidarity and shared suffering. Rockland, a psychiatric hospital, becomes a symbol of both physical and mental confinement. Ginsberg’s empathy for Solomon highlights the personal impact of the broader societal criticism found in the earlier sections.

The Footnote

The footnote to “Howl” serves as a stark contrast to the preceding sections, offering a vision of hope and transcendence. Ginsberg declares: “Everything is holy! everybody’s holy! everywhere is holy! everyday is in eternity! Everyman’s an angel!” (Ginsberg.) In this ecstatic proclamation, Ginsberg reclaims the sacredness of human experience, asserting that each person and every moment is inherently holy. This shift from despair to affirmation provides a powerful conclusion, suggesting that despite the challenging forces depicted throughout the poem, there is still a potential for overcoming and finding meaning.

Conclusion

“Howl” is a raw examination of mid-20th century America, capturing the disappointment and spiritual yearning that the Beat Generation felt. Ginsberg’s vivid imagery, rhythmic language, and emotional intensity make it a timeless work that continually resonates with readers. The poem’s combination of personal and shared experiences, along with its critique of societal structures, creates a powerful portrait of human struggle and resilience.

Works Cited

Ginsberg, Allen. “Howl by Allen Ginsberg.” Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/49303/howl. Accessed 13 June 2024.

LitCharts. “Howl Summary & Analysis by Allen Ginsberg.” LitCharts, www.litcharts.com/poetry/allen-ginsberg/howl. Accessed 13 June 2024.