Allen Ginsberg is one of the most influential writers of 20th Century America whose works formulated as the keystone for the Beat movement. Moreover, the rise of this led to a great counter-culture in support of free speech for unpublished writers. His works are regarded as the Beat movement’s pioneer and still capture the time of social change and justice.
Throughout his life, Allen Ginsberg wrote over 500 poems, many of which are critically acclaimed. On top of that, some of his works are also published and recognised by the biggest published worldwide.
Although his style may be vernacular and improvisational, Ginsberg’s use of strong and witty language talks through his work and sends a simple but deep message throughout.
Allen Ginsberg And The Rise of Beat Movement
The 20th century was not a good time for the world considering the two big wars, and the Cold War. At the time, the rise of government and different authorities took over the country. As a result, different forms of art emerged in culture.
One such art in writing was the Beat Movement—a culmination of poetry and related works by a group of liberal artists. The work criticised capitalism and materialism which was quite on the rise in the country. Therefore, the use of profane language in poetry to send a message to the authorities was a key highlight of the movement.
Any criticism of the work like banning was regarded as a violation of free speech—the first amendment of the American constitution. Using this, the unpublished group gained a massive following and status in the radical literary presentation.
Founders of the Beat Movement
Although there is no definite name behind the Beat Movement, there are some people who are founding fathers of the same. So, let’s take a look at some of the most prominent names among many.
- Allen Ginsberg
- Jack Kerouac,
- William Burroughs
- Lucien Carr.
There were some other people as well who joined the movement in the counterculture of Cold War America. Secondly, all the people have a different vision for their works which made the movement very bold and creative for the audience.
While some people liked the works, some hated it to the guts. Thus, the contrast between the art and its audience was a resemblance to the political divide of the nation or culture.
Major Themes of Beat Poetry
Beat Poetry is not a classical literary work with rhymes, tones, and sophistication. It’s the opposite in different ways and follows a pattern of uncertainty alongside the use of vulgar words to send a message.
So, let’s take a look at some of the most interesting themes in the Beat Poetry:
- Rejection of materialism
- Non-conformity
- Portraying the human condition
- Experimentation with psychedelic drugs
- Spontaneous creativity
- Sexual liberation and exploration
Thoughts on the Beat Poetry of Allen Ginsberg
Beat Poetry is one of a kind and it can’t be described unless you read it. To be honest, it’s not for everybody as it rose at a time which was different from ours. Thus, it’s not fair to judge by the present as it had a great influence on the lives of late 20th century America.
Conclusion
Allen Ginsberg, a key figure in the Beat movement, wrote over 500 critically acclaimed poems during the 20th century. His works, which criticize capitalism and materialism, often use profane language to send a message to authorities.
The movement, which included prominent figures like Jack Kerouac, William Burroughs, and Lucien Carr, was influenced by the political divide of the nation. Beat Poetry, characterized by rejection of materialism, non-conformity, and exploration of the human condition, remained influential in late 20th-century America.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
What was Allen Ginsberg famous for?
Allen Ginsberg is famous as the founding personality behind the Beat Movement of America.
Is Allen Ginsberg a good poet?
Allen Ginsberg was a critically acclaimed poet, however, many critics regard his work as extreme and profane.
What happened to Allen Ginsberg?
Allen died of liver cancer at the age of 71 and throughout his life, published several acclaimed literary works.
How many poems did Allen Ginsberg write?
More than five hundred.
