What is happening in 1950s America?
1945 marked the end of World War II. America entered the 1950s looking for a new wave in economic growth and prosperity. However, there was also a lot more social and political reform. Modern-day suburbia was created by the Baby Boom, which provided an economic boost. The Civil Rights Movement was active in cases like Brown, v. Board of Education. Rosa Park's refusal of giving up her seat on the bus is a classic example of this. The Cold War was also fought. This is the backdrop in which the Beat Poets were born.
Here are some quick facts about beat poetry
- Beat poetry began in New York City in 1940s. However, its heart was in San Francisco during the 1950s.
- Beat poets were interested to challenge mainstream culture and conventional writing styles.
- Free Verse was the favorite form of Beat Poets.
- What are your favorite topics? They are known for transgression, obsenity, and alienation. This is not surprising considering that their main focus was on breaking away from mainstream culture.
- The Beat Poets were heavily influenced by jazz. Their musical use and free verse are well matched by its rhythmic and improvisational qualities.
- The Beats were frequently inspired by Buddhism, Hallucinogenic Drugs, and Higher Consciousness.
- The Beats were political poets, as you might imagine. Many were fascinated by the idea anarchy. It's not surprising that many were interested in anarchy, as their primary goal was to disrupt the order of society. In their poetry, as well their political views, they also used cross-cultural ideas.
- Jack Kerouac, a poet who is credited with inventing the term Beat generation, "describes the down-and-out state of himself and his peer during the postwar period" (poets.org).
Notable Beat Generation poets
Allen Ginsberg
- Ginsberg is undoubtedly the most famous and prominent Beat Poet. Lawrence Ferlinghetti arrested his publisher for writing "Howl", a 112-line poem. The case was tried, but "Howl", which challenged the obscenity laws at the time, won. It was a sort of manifesto for Beat Poets. Want to learn more about Ginsberg The Poetry Foundation has a biography.
- Poems to Read: You'll want "Howl" to see. If you are looking for something shorter, "A Supermarket California" is the best choice.
Gary Snyder
- Snyder was a Beats musician in the 1950s. His work is about blending reality and spirituality, as well as inner insight. His Zen Buddhism practice was a major inspiration. Here's a interview Snyder did in The Paris Review.
- Poem to Read: I love "The Berry Feast" and was able to read it along with "Howl" during the 1955 Six Gallery reading, which launched the Beats' literary fame.
Lawrence Ferlinghetti
- Ferlinghetti is well-known for his founding of City Lights Books Shop, a magazine and publishing company. This became the beating heart of Beat culture. Ferlinghetti is also a poet and author of over thirty books. It's an understatement for Ferlinghetti to call himself only productive. This article will provide more information on Ferlinghetti's contributions in poetry and to Beat movements.
- Poetry to Read: I love "In Golden Gate Park that Day. . ." "I am Waiting"
Gregory Corso
- Allen Ginsberg described him a "awakener for youth." He arrived in San Francisco at the peak of Beat's popularity and was immediately recognized as a key player. More information about Corso is available here.
- Read the poem: Corso's book "Transformation & Escape" contains some beautiful imagery.
William S. Burroughs
- William S. Burroughs is best known for his fiction, Naked Lunch. However, he was also a part of the Beat poetry movement.
- Read "Dead Whistle Stop Yet End" is a visually striking poem. It shows how traditional forms can be broken. "Where Flesh circulates" is also my favorite.
Jack Kerouac
- Jack Kerouac may be best known for his fiction work On Road. However he was also a participant in Beat poetry. In his free verse, he was greatly influenced Jazz rhythms.
- You can read some of Kerouac's poems online.
Lasting effects
Lawrence Ferlinghetti's City Lights Books Shop is still a major hub for literary activity in San Francisco. City Lights is the perfect place for a roadtrip. The Beat Museum is also in San Francisco. It has great information about Beat poets as well as some amazing events. The Beat Poets effected a profound social change that is felt by generations. They challenged mainstream society and set the stage for 1960s counterculture. Their nontraditional forms of poetry, urban and spiritual imagery, as well as counterculture themes, forever changed our perception of poetry.
