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Analyzing Ginsberg's "Howl" Value

The document provides instructions for a homework assignment analyzing Allen Ginsberg's poem "Howl." Students are asked to choose 1-2 lines from the poem and discuss (1) how the sound of the lines relates to Ginsberg's intended meaning, and (2) whether the work has value or is obscene. For the second part, students should give their own reaction and analyze whether the poem gives voice to previously unexpressed ideas, themes, or groups of people. The ultimate goal is for students to closely examine the poem and decide for themselves if Ginsberg's work holds any merit or value.

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Ms. Katie Peterson
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94 views1 page

Analyzing Ginsberg's "Howl" Value

The document provides instructions for a homework assignment analyzing Allen Ginsberg's poem "Howl." Students are asked to choose 1-2 lines from the poem and discuss (1) how the sound of the lines relates to Ginsberg's intended meaning, and (2) whether the work has value or is obscene. For the second part, students should give their own reaction and analyze whether the poem gives voice to previously unexpressed ideas, themes, or groups of people. The ultimate goal is for students to closely examine the poem and decide for themselves if Ginsberg's work holds any merit or value.

Uploaded by

Ms. Katie Peterson
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Name:

Class: Howl Homework: Your Reaction

WRITING

The publication of Howl threw City Lights Bookstore, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and Allen Ginsberg in an obscenity trial. Remember: the definition of obscenity, according to the Supreme Court, is something excessively sexual, violating community standards, and lacking scientific, political, social, educational value. PURPOSE: Decide for yourself if there is any value in Ginsbergs work. Close read the lines and analyze them such that you prove (1) how the sound of Ginsbergs lines relate to his intended meaning, and (2) whether Ginsbergs work is fully devoid of value, or actually exploding with it. PROMPT: Choose 1-2 of your favorite lines from any part of Ginsbergs Howl. Write your 1-2 lines at the top of your page, preserving the free verse format as much as possible. Then, answer questions 1 and 2 below: 1. (4-5 sentences) Rhetorical Analysis: What is the sound of these lines? Frantic? Calm? Hysterical? Soothing? Like a howl or a barbaric yawp? What in the length and punctuation of the lines makes them sound this way? How does this sound contribute to what we assume is Ginsbergs intended message for Howl? 2. (5-7 sentences) Your Response: What is your reaction to the content of these lines? Would you classify them as obscene? Why or why not? Do you think they have value? If so, what is it? Should this poem have been banned in the first place, or does it give voice to an idea, people, or theme previously unvoiced? What is that idea, people, or theme? As much as possible, provide specific examples of the unvoiced, of other things in your world that do have value, or of any other ideas that show your reaction to this controversial poem. MAKE ALLEN GINSBERG PROUD!

Name:

Class: Howl Homework: Your Reaction

WRITING

The publication of Howl threw City Lights Bookstore, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and Allen Ginsberg in an obscenity trial. Remember: the definition of obscenity, according to the Supreme Court, is something excessively sexual, violating community standards, and lacking scientific, political, social, educational value. PURPOSE: Decide for yourself if there is any value in Ginsbergs work. Close read the lines and analyze them such that you prove (1) how the sound of Ginsbergs lines relate to his intended meaning, and (2) whether Ginsbergs work is fully devoid of value, or actually exploding with it. PROMPT: Choose 1-2 of your favorite lines from any part of Ginsbergs Howl. Write your 1-2 lines at the top of your page, preserving the free verse format as much as possible. Then, answer questions 1 and 2 below: 1. (4-5 sentences) Rhetorical Analysis: What is the sound of these lines? Frantic? Calm? Hysterical? Soothing? Like a howl or a barbaric yawp? What in the length and punctuation of the lines makes them sound this way? How does this sound contribute to what we assume is Ginsbergs intended message for Howl? 2. (5-7 sentences) Your Response: What is your reaction to the content of these lines? Would you classify them as obscene? Why or why not? Do you think they have value? If so, what is it? Should this poem have been banned in the first place, or does it give voice to an idea, people, or theme previously unvoiced? What is that idea, people, or theme? As much as possible, provide specific examples of the unvoiced, of other things in your world that do have value, or of any other ideas that show your reaction to this controversial poem. MAKE ALLEN GINSBERG PROUD!

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