A critical analysis of Ginsberg’s selected poems

Other Title(s)

تحليل نقدي لمختارات من أشعار كينسبرك

Dissertant

Askari, Lezan Wurya Salih

Thesis advisor

Qirdaghi, Ismail Muhammad Fahmi

Comitee Members

Berzenji, Latif Said Nuri
Mihedin, Galawezh I.
Barzani, Shirzad Sh. Babu

University

Salahaddin University-Hawler

Faculty

College of Languages

Department

English Department

University Country

Iraq

Degree

Master

Degree Date

2012

English Abstract

-Irwin Allen Ginsberg, better known as Allen Ginsberg, (1926–1997) is one of the celebrated American poets.

His writings are centered on America and American culture.

The reader of his poems is constantly in the presence of a thorough criticism and a vehement attack on the American administration’s system and society.

Moreover, he is a vital symbol of freedom and free speech.

His confidence, individuality, and his unique poetic voice, make him a person that stands out.

This thesis, entitled “A Critical Analysis of Ginsberg’s Selected Poems”, it is an attempt to explain and analyze selections from his poems including: “Howl”, “America”, “Sunflower Sutra” and “A Strange New cottage in Berkeley”.

It concentrates on the universal themes and the unconventional techniques that the poet adopts; but, at the same time each chapter tackles a different concept and an additional issue.

Also, it seeks to put forward the significance of such kind of poetry as a powerful tool to suggest and initiate improvements in society as well as enriching the course of American poetry.

The current study comprises four chapters, in the following order : Chapter I provide a general background to the study.

It is an introduction to Ginsberg’s life, and literary style.

The significance of his work is indicated as a genuine contribution to modern American poetry, and his position in American literature as a whole.

This introductory chapter is deemed necessary aiming at providing the essential information to appreciate his poetry, and to facilitate the analysis of the poems in the next chapters.

Chapter II presents an analysis of the first selected poem entitled “Howl” ; it underscores the concept of individuality versus society.

The poem’s message is to chronicle the anti-establishment gestures of Ginsberg’s generation.

It depicts a picture of a pessimistic world whose best minds are destroyed by madness, which is the central issue of the poem.

Thus, everything in society is to blame for the loss of those minds.

Subsequently, he proclaims the reason that caused such destruction as “Moloch”.

While criticizing the aspects of society and government for crippling the spirit of a generation, he nonetheless demonstrates a desire for reconciliation with them.

The poem begins with destruction, but ends with a vision of salvation and a plea for holy living.

Chapter III deals with the poem “America”, which is a comic commentary on typical American values, culture, and unsensed political oppression.

It comments on the distorted values of the dominant American culture.

It demonstrates how violence becomes part of America’s culture, especially the political conflict between capitalism and communism.

The poem portrays America as bondage against individual freedom.

Ginsberg knows very well the difference between the appearance and the reality of America.

Moreover, various devices such as tone, emphasis, irony, and hyperbole are used to convey this theme convincingly.

Chapter IV offers an analysis of both poems “Sunflower Sutra” and “A Strange New Cottage in Berkeley”.

It focuses on nature, inner beauty, spontaneity, simplicity, spiritual values.

It celebrates the natural world and nature’s beauty.

There is a revival of aspects from romanticism as a reaction against the industrialism of the world.

In addition, it depicts the initial rays of hope in Ginsberg’s vision of a romantic society that rejects materialism and accepts the beauty of the natural world as the chief goal of society.

In this way, America can be beautiful once again.

Furthermore, it attempts to compare and contrast two styles of life : the urban, modern life and the life of the natural world.

Also, it proves which one is the best for the soul of humanity.

The final part is the conclusion which sums up the findings of the thesis.

Main Subjects

Literature

Topics

• Americas
• United States
• Nineteenth century
• Poetry

No. of Pages

111

Table of Contents

• APA
• MLA
• AMA

Language

English

Data Type

Arab Theses

Record ID

BIM-314736