Howl By Allen Ginsberg | Structure, Summary, Analysis

"Howl" is a seminal ‘free verse’ poem by Allen Ginsberg, published in 1956. It is considered one of the most important works in American literature and a defining piece of the Beat Generation. The poem consists of three sections, each addressing different themes and subjects. Overall, the poem is an outcry against society and its treatment of non-conformists.

As the title suggests, it is not a regular poem, rather it is an expression of grief, rage, and sometimes exultation. The free-verse structure allows the poet to describe the characters and their experiences he wishes to talk about. The poem begins with the line “I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked,” which suggests that it is largely an elegy or lament. The poet describes the sufferings of his friends and colleagues (members of the Beat Generation) and tries to make the reader understand their pain and sympathize with them.
The poem is written in free verse, and it has no finite structure. Ginsberg wrote 112 lines set in three sections. The lines are long and look more like paragraphs than stanzas.

The first section contains 78 long lines often written without punctuation and with a repetitive refrain: "who" which introduces various characters and their experiences. This section depicts the lives of individuals marginalized by society while exploring the themes of themes of madness, addiction, and societal rejection.
The second section contains lines from 79 to 93. These are again long free-verse lines with no strict meter or rhyming scheme. This section has a more analytical tone, critiquing societal norms. In this section, the speaker focuses on the detrimental effects of capitalism and conformity while highlighting the struggles of artists and intellectuals against societal pressures.
The third section is from lines 94-112. It is set in Rockland and mentions Rockland Psychiatric Center, a mental hospital. It is a shorter section and presents a more lyrical quality. The speaker employs a direct and personal tone, reflecting Ginsberg's experiences. He specifically addresses Carl Solomon, a minor poet and friend of Ginsberg, who was hospitalized in Rockland. In this section, the speaker celebrates spiritual awakening and the quest for truth while emphasizing love, connection, and the transformative power of art.

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[anthonymccarthy]

My high school English teacher who knew a lot about poetry said Ginsberg was over-praised and under-worked. I was scandalized by that at the time, fifty years ago, but became convinced that was the best case for him.

[lubnadishdiary]

Great job, with simple explanation. Nice job👍👍