Transcript Allen Ginsberg - English

Allen Ginsberg
1926-1997
K Wilkes
Outline:
• Ginsberg - background, ideology,
influences, context etc.
• Beat movement – influences, jazz etc.
• Ginsberg’s work – a full analysis taking
into account the assessment objectives
required for A2 terminal examination.
K Wilkes
Allen Ginsberg
• 1926-1997. born into Jewish family. Formally educated.
• Groups of poets, musicians and writers seemed to
gather round him – he is cited as an influence by many
writers.
• Bisexual, long-term partner until death (40 years) – Peter
Orlovsky.
• Interested in politics and social change – ideas of
freedom, peace and equality.
• Drug use. Influenced by jazz and art movements.
• Became a Buddhist.
• Broke away from traditional poetic structure – almost
conversational, one breath lines, early long line
experiments.
K Wilkes
His work:
Ginsberg has written numerous pieces, too
many to frighten you with here… so, for
hwk – you can go and seek out his works
online!
K Wilkes
Extract from Howl:
I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by
madness, starving hysterical naked,
dragging themselves through the negro streets at dawn
looking for an angry fix...
Howl on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfBzCG
4H8uo&feature=channel
K Wilkes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sNm9
x1Mdzs&feature=channel
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K Wilkes
Ginsberg interview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwgH5NvxmXA