REBELLION IN THE BEAT GENERATION: A STUDY IN ALLEN GINSBERG'S “HOWL”

Abstract

Allen Ginsberg (1926-1998) is a prominent figure of the Beat generation poets. Hampton (1997, p.1) explored that his poem “Howl” becomes "a manifesto of Sex Revolution and an issue of expression freedom in the 50^th " ,20^th  Century”¹. He has unsuppressed character and feels relief in Indian retreat and counter culture .He protested against the politics of his country ,USA i.e. the Vietnam War and CIA exercise  .He celebrated homo-sexuality ,his gay tendency and love for drugs .He is 'non-violent thug' as the critic Leonard said,1988 . In Colombia, he met Jack Kerouac, Lousian Carr, and William Bourough, together they founded The Beat Generation poets .In 1949 he was put in prison where he met Carl Solomon who deepened his poetry awareness .In Francisco he wrote “Howl” which has become a scream in the face of the politics class. He expresses the concerns and the ideals of the alienated poets of Beat Generation. Ginsberg has converted to Buddhism and practiced its rituals .He has addressed his citizens as follows,"America I have given you everything and I am nothing" (Ginsberg, 1956, Lines 1-2)² .He refused materialistic life and revived  spiritual and ethical values .In fact without Allen Ginsberg , there would  be no  Beat Generation.