Howl by Ginsberg Analysis

After reading this poem, I agree with you that commas are an important part to the first section. Commas are almost always used in each line with the few exceptions like you have pointed out. I think that in phrases he uses commas, he is very brief and straight to the point so the commas help him to be concise whereas in the phrases he doesn’t use commas, he just rambles.

I also agree that the continued usage of the word “who” does keep the beat of the poem and keeps it flowing but from a historical point of view, this poem was written during the Beat Generation of the 1950’s so a poem written in that era should have an effective rhythm and readability due to the prominence of writers from that time. Again, in the second and third sections, the usage of the word “Moloch” and the phrase “I’m with you in Rockland” help keep the beat of each respective section.

Also in the second section, Ginsberg uses exclamation marks a lot. The writing here is unorganized and erratic. I think that he uses this strategy to show the madness of that generation, since the Beat Generation is known for its usage of drugs and other illegal activities.

What I find unique is the way Ginsberg uses indentation throughout this poem. Do you think there is some importance to this? It seems like it contrasts with the madness he wrote in the second section.