Close Readings
The Long and Short: Allen Ginsberg’s ‘Howl’ and ‘Kaddish’
Jul 24, 2023
Seamus and Mark discuss Allen Ginsberg's long poems, 'Howl' and 'Kaddish', exploring his influences of Whitman, Carlos Williams, O'Hara, and Blake. They also talk about Ginsberg's vision for a utopian America and Mark's personal experiences meeting the poet.
11:35
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Allen Ginsberg's poems 'Howl' and 'Kaddish' expressed his utopian vision for a reformed America and had a profound impact on American culture and poetry.
- Ginsberg's immersion in the works of William Carlos Williams and William Blake influenced his incorporation of documentary elements in poetry and reshaped his perception of time and reality.
Deep dives
Alan Ginsburg's Vision of a Utopian America
Alan Ginsburg, known for his long poems "Howl" and "Caddish," held a utopian vision of America, similar to Walt Whitman. He believed that America had been corrupted by the military-industrial complex and corrupt politics. Ginsburg, like the Beats, rejected the moral and conventional norms of society, living in communes and embracing counterculture ideals. He saw himself as a poet who wanted to correct America, just as Whitman did. Ginsburg's influence, particularly through "Howl," had a massive impact on American culture and poetry, reaching a broader audience than many other poets.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
