Perhaps no single poem in American history has done so much to alter the course of our culture as has "Howl". To some, it is a cry of rage against the injustices of the world and a stand of defiance against the corporate and cultural machine that threatens to deaden our souls. To others it is a reaffirmation of the heart, a powerful "I AM!" celebration. It is, perhaps both of these and more.
This section is limited to background and analysis of the poem. The entire
text of "Howl" can be found in the Poetry section.
Moloch who entered my soul early! Moloch in whom I am a consciousness without a body! Moloch who frightened me out of my natural ecstasy! Moloch whom I abandon! Wake up in Moloch! Light streaming out of the sky!--from "Howl", 1955-56 |
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HOWLingsThe HOWL project: comparing and contrasting it with "Drive" by Mike Henry. The work of four students at the University of Texas. Cool stuff! Check out especially Ginsberg personal reactions to cricticisms of Howl There are also good sections on the inspiration for the poem, and the technique Ginsberg used in it's composition. Parts One, Two and Three each have their own analysis, and there is also an example of how Ginsberg categorized his stanzas.[HW001,A,B,C,D,E,F,G]
Howl: Background and analysis of the poem, and some interesting information about the famous obscenity trial. Link courtesy of Literary Kicks. [HW002]
Original Typescript Page: From the annotated edition of the poem. Al has scanned a page from Ginsberg's first draft, and annotated it with notes on the changes he made in pen. It's a great taste of this wonderful volume, which traces the four sections of the poem through each draft. Link courtesy of Al Filreis. [HW003]
A Response to Howl: One student's responese, by Wincy Peveto. Link courtesy of Stephanie Buchanan's American Literature Survey Class. [HW004]
Howl: An analysis by "Angela" (no other information available), with comparisons between Ginsberg and Whitman. Appears to be a student project. [HW005] **OUT OF SERVICE 2/20/1998**
James Dickey's Critiques: Not everyone sees Howl as powerful and revolutionary. Here is one critic who vocally showed his dissent. Link courtesy of Jeff Loftin. [HW006]
Son of G. 1993 (after Allen Ginsberg's Howl): A poem by Annalise Bomenblit. As an homage and reference to Howl, it succeeds quite well. I enjoyed the poem and the way it brings our own generation's frustrations to the table the way Howl did in the 50s. But think it perhaps imitates Ginsberg a bit too self-consciously, and tries a bit too hard. Chris has an interesting story of the where the poem comes from. Let's hope he finds her! Link courtesy of Spike. [HW007]
The History of Howl: Anecdotes from the poem's life, starting with the Six Gallery reading. Link courtesy of Mushroom Enterprises. [HW008]
Howl 97: A parody written by Richard F. Nance. Link courtesy of Richard F. Nance. [HW009]
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