An analysis of Allen Ginsberg’s poem, Howl, focusing on the theme of the madness of the American society.
This paper discusses the individual and social conflict that is evident in the poem Howl by Allen Ginsberg. In addition to the analysis of the poem in reference to its social relevance, the paper also includes a presentation of the poet’s feelings while the lines and over-all content of the poem is delivered.
“The poem “Howl,” by Allen Ginsberg is a poem that evokes emotion and social awareness of the “illness” and “madness” of the people and the American society. Ginsberg’s poem is divided into three parts, and each part of the poem elicits a different kind of emotion and focus; the three parts wherein the poem is divided also addresses and talks about a different kind of audience, while consistently extending the message of madness (in the literal and social sense) and with the issue of social strife and chaos within and among the members of the American society. The scenario Ginsberg presents in his poem is a reflection of the social and political strife that the American society had experienced during the post- Vietnam War era.”