Part I
I also agree with both Lily and Yitian on the importance of
commas throughout the poem. In Part I I feel as though the commas and
indentations are placed purposefully to compliment the ‘who’ rhythm that is
being used as the basis for almost the entire poem. Like Yitian discussed, I
think that the rhythm is an important part of the way Ginsberg voices the poem.
It almost sounds like “Litany for Dictatorships” in terms of diction because “Howl”
Part I also seems almost like a prayer. Ginsberg explicitly describes the various
experiences of that time, using the ‘who’ repetition as a way to jab that image
directly at you as you read. Part I’s various, purposeful structure makes the
poem take on a voice of itself and really express the author’s message to us,
the readers.
Part II
I feel as though Part II is even more powerful of an image
than Part I was. It follows the same purposeful indentation/comma structure but
the constant reference to ‘Moloch’ is what really makes this part come out. ‘Moloch’
is apparently the name of an ancient Semitic god. Like Yitian mentioned, the
Beat Generation was obsessed with experimentation with drugs, different sexual
preferences, interest in Eastern religion, and much more. In Part II, Ginsberg
seems to be crying out to ‘Moloch’ but also in a way expressing his frustration
(kind of like how we say ‘god!’). Part II seemed to be mainly about
hallucinations and epiphanies and extensive use of exclamation marks embodies
that crazed, high state.
Part III
Part III seemed to me seemed less fierce than the rest of
the poem. This part seemed almost like a dedication to Carl Solomon but also to
all the writers during that time. The repetition of ‘I’m here with you in
Rockland’ gives the impression of unity as he proceeds to write out the various
things that trouble their kind.
Do you guys agree? or disagree? I really thought the use of powerful images was a really strong point in this entire poem. What images popped out at you guys?
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