The Use Of Religion In Allen Ginsberg’s Howl

This essay examines the famous poem Howl that Allen Ginsberg wrote in 1945-1955. It’s also known by Howl for Carl Solomon. This essay discusses how Ginsberg depicts the theme and uses religion within the poem. Ginsberg was a Buddhist and studied Eastern religious traditions. It’s not surprising that religion played a role in Howl. This essay will examine the large role religion plays and how it impacts its readers. Ginsberg was a Buddhist who studied Eastern religious discipline.

Here’s some context: Ginsberg could, although he might be considered religious poetry, could also be classified as a mystic poetic. A mystic, on the other hand, is someone who claims to be able to gain insight into mysteries that are beyond the scope of ordinary human knowledge. Ginsberg questions the old dogma, seeking communion with an higher power. This is explored by making divine concepts human. This is clearly evident in Howl’s line 89. Pavements, trees, radios, tons! Moloch is an ancient Hebrew god. It basically supports Kabbalah (Jewish Mysticism) while emphasizing the idea of Heaven not being superior to us. Ginsberg also marries and associates politics with religion, a clearly mundane concept with higher powers. This is apparent in line107. The poet identifies socialism as Judaism. On the other hand, fascism or nationalism are often associated with Golgotha, which is the scene of Christ’s murder.

Line 24 argues that Ginsberg is a mystic poet. It says, “He studied Plotinus Poe and St. John the Cross telepathy because the cosmos naturally vibrated at their feets in Kansas.” Kabbalah refers to Jewish mysticism. While St. John was a Christian mystical author, it is also a form Kabbalah. Ginsberg appears not to have extensive knowledge about religious traditions. However, Ginsberg is interested in the beliefs of more radical faiths.

Ginsberg uses a more abstract approach as shown in line 20, “Who disappeared into nowhere Zen New Jersey and left a trail ambiguous photograph postcards of Atlantic City Hall”. Ginsberg appears to suggest that New Jersey might be Zen. He challenges the orthodox Buddhist view of Zen by suggesting that Zen can’t be found anywhere. The reader is left to wonder if Ginsberg truly believes in any religion, or simply believes in a higher power.

Ginsberg draws parallels between himself and mystic poets in line 25. He refers to spiritual Native Americans as “who lonedit through the streets Idaho seeking visionary Indian angels who had visionary Indian angels.” This idea is further explored at line 13, ‘Peyotesoliditiesof halls’. Native American tribes used hallucinogenic plants, peyote in religious ceremonies.

Ginsberg makes use of metaphor to change the traditional story about Christ’s death and resurrection. He refers to the Hebrew bible as Christ’s last words after his death. Ginsberg implied that jazz musicians, and implicitly poets, are prophets who make sacrifices for art. Ginsberg may have even compared the Beats and their impact to the resurrection and Christ.

Line 5, “who bared themselves to Heaven under El and saw Mohammedan Angels staggering on Tenement Roofs Illuminated” Ginsberg depicts divine beings as flawed through his choice of “staggering”. Ginsberg may not have been interested in the orthodox dogma. However, there is no evidence to indicate that the angels are Mohammedan.

Ginsberg challenges orthodoxy. In the third section, Howl focuses entirely on Carl Solomon. Solomon was a major influence on Howl. Ginsberg first met Solomon while he was in Colombia at the Colombian Presbyterian Psychiatric Institute. To ‘treat his depression’, Solomon had to undergo shock therapy. Ginsberg pays tribute and immortalizes Solomon’s exploits. Line 108 mentions that Ginsberg is with Solomon in Rockland, where he will split Long Island’s skyscrapers and raise his living human Jesus from an unimaginable tomb. Line 108 shows how Solomon valued the more humane Jesus who died for his love of man, rather than Jesus, the Son and God. This is a stark contrast to traditional Christian Theology. Ginsberg did not want to adhere to Christian dogmas.

Ginsberg also expresses almost an indifferent attitude towards religion in line62: “They fell on the floor in hopeless cathedrals praying that each other would be saved and lightened up their breasts, until the soul lit its hair for a second.” This is insinuating to Ginsberg that cathedrals are “hopeless”. The poet’s suggestion that the souls of people visiting cathedrals can be “illuminated” is a counter-argument.

Ginsberg seems not to be able to let go of his Buddhist beliefs and religion in order to create his art. This raises questions about his motive for referencing other religions and what reactions he may have expected or even hoped for.

Ginsberg wrote Howl knowing that there would be controversy and outrage among the wider public. Ginsberg occasionally mentions and explores the idea of different religions in the poem. While readers cannot question his choice to allude to these religions, it is clear that he disregards traditional dogmas and challenges orthodox religion, belief, and faith.

Author

  • rosssaunders

    Ross Saunders is an educational blogger and professor, who has written extensively on topics such as education reform, online learning, and assessment. He has also spoken on the topic at various conferences and universities.

rosssaunders Written by:

Ross Saunders is an educational blogger and professor, who has written extensively on topics such as education reform, online learning, and assessment. He has also spoken on the topic at various conferences and universities.

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