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The poem is in three parts, with an additional footnote. Part I is the most well known, and communicates scenes, characters and situations drawn from his own experience, and the community of poets, artists, political radicals, jazz musicans, drug addicts and psychiatric patients which he encountered. Part II is a lament at the state of America, named as 'Moloch' in the poem. Part III is directly addressed to Carl Solomon, who Ginsberg met whilst both were patients at Rockland, a New York psychiatric hospital, and relates shared experiences, hopes and fears. The footnote is notable for its repetitive 'Holy!' mantra and its optimistic outlook.
The frequently quoted (and often parodied) opening lines set the theme and rhythm for the majority of the poem:
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2 List of Obscure Things Mentioned in "Howl" 3 External links |
The 1957 Obscenity Trial
Howl contains many references to illicit drugs and sexual practices, both heterosexual and homosexual. One line in particular
A subsequent obscenity trial was brought against Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the poem's publisher. Supported by the American Civil Liberties Union, Ferlinghetti won the case, the court deciding that the poem was of 'redeeming social importance'. The case was widely publicised (articles appeared in both 'Time' and 'Life' magazines) ensuring the wide readership of Howl, which remains one of the most popular poems by an American author.
Not all things in Howl are easily understood by the common reader. Here is a glossary of terms that help out in reading the text:
List of Obscure Things Mentioned in "Howl"
External links