America

“Howl” by Allen Ginsberg (1956)

Ginsberg’s most famous poem and one of the most important poems in American history, this anthem of the Beat Generation recounts experiences in Ginsberg’s life and touches on similar themes in “America.” Ginsberg speaks about alienation, American hypocrisy, consumerism, and mental health. In the poem, Ginsberg laments a loss of connection between people and the universal soul, and he blames this on Moloch, which stands for many issues Ginsberg had with the world, including consumerism and the Cold War. The poem is also famous for being banned upon publication and for its vivid and uncensored descriptions of many taboo topics in 1950s America.

“New Stanzas for Amazing Grace” by Allen Ginsberg (1994)

Ginsberg comments on the issue of homelessness and income inequality in this rewrite of “Amazing Grace.” This poem is interesting when compared to “America” and Ginsberg’s other work because it is one of his few poems that is written with a rhyme scheme and consistent meter. This is because he was rewriting a famous song, but Ginsberg is still able to incorporate his usual themes and preoccupations, speaking to similar issues he identifies in “America.”

“Plutonian Ode” by Allen Ginsberg (1978)