Conclusion
As mentioned in Introduction there is a pervasive feeling of separation and estrangement in contemporary society. This is clear from the poem's portrayal of people who are shut off from one another and their surroundings. The people in the poem are stuck in an emotional and social isolation because they are unable to establish meaningful connections or relationships.There is a sense of crisis and fragmentation in the modern era. The poem examines the aftermath of World War I, which dispelled the illusions of progression and stability that had characterised the pre-war world, and this is mirrored in how it does so. The poem makes the argument that the trauma and chaos of the war helped to create a sense of cultural and spiritual deterioration that still remains gigantic in the modern era.
The opening lines of The poem Howl is,
I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked, (Ginsberg)
In this poem the poet has witnessed the best thinkers of his time slipping into madness. They stumbled through Black areas at dawn looking for drugs while extremely hungry, upset, and helpless.The phrase "destroyed by madness" suggests that many of these young people were driven to insanity by the pressures of modern society and the struggle to create meaningful work in a culture that often rejected their values. Ginsberg himself struggled with mental illness throughout his life, and his poetry often explored the themes of madness, alienation, and spiritual longing.
Same as that in “The Wasteland” by Eliot in opening lines in first part,
April is the cruellest month (Eliot)
Since April is typically connected to spring, fresh life, and renewal, the line is frequently seen as a paradox. However, as he examines the fragmented and surreal aspects of contemporary life, Eliot uses this line to communicate a feeling of despair and disillusionment.One interpretation is that April, with its promise of rebirth and renewal, emphasizes the contrast between the cycle of life and mortality in the natural world and the lifeless nature of contemporary society. In other words, April is harsh because it serves as a constant reminder of the disconnect between our need for meaning as humans and the meaninglessness of life. In order to represent the ambiguity and confusion that define the contemporary world, Liot uses the mythological figure of Tiresias, who represents both genders. Eliot seems to imply that we are all stuck in this uncertain state of disorder, being unable to truly embrace either life or death.
A decline in faith and a sense of moral deterioration characterise modern society. The poem explores religious and cultural practises that no longer have any value or meaning in the contemporary culture, which reflects this. The poem implies that a sense of moral ambiguity and ethical confusion has resulted from the collapse of traditional values and beliefs.Fragmentation and separation are aspects of the modern era. This may be seen in "The Wasteland's" fragmentary structure, which is made up of various voices, viewpoints, and allusions that are frequently challenging to reconcile. This disintegration is a reflection of how traditional institutions, values, and beliefs are breaking down in contemporary society.
Such separateness and disconnectedness from the world are traits of the modern era. The poem's depiction of people who are separated away from each other and their immediate environment makes this clear. The poem makes the argument that the conformist culture of the 1950s contributed to a feeling of alienation and dislocation, and that this feeling of alienation still permeates modern society.A loss of identity and an overall absence of originality are characteristics of the modern era. The poem's condemnation of the dominant values of materialism, consumerism, and conformity reflects this. The poem makes the argument that people in modern society are frequently under pressure to fit in with cultural conventions, which results in a loss of originality and a sensation of being cut off from one's actual self.
Both of these "Howl" by Allen Ginsberg and "The Wasteland" by T.S. Eliot are literary works that make strong societal critiques of their respective eras.The 1950s homogeneity and conformity of American culture are criticised in the poem "Howl." Ginsberg rails against the conformist culture of the day because, in his opinion, it stifles individual creativity and suppresses alternative lifestyles. The poem urges a rejection of the dominant principles of materialism, commercialization, and conformity while honouring the countercultural movements of the time, such as the Beat Generation. Ginsberg's use of coarse language and graphic sexual images was stunning at the time and posed a threat to the conservative social norms that were present at the time.
Similar criticism of the spiritual and cultural emptiness of contemporary civilization may be found in "The Wasteland." Eliot paints a picture of a society in which conventional norms and beliefs have been challenged, leaving people drifting aimlessly and feeling alienated. The poem examines what happened after World War I, which dispelled the illusions of development and stability that had pervaded the pre-war world. Eliot suggests that cultural and spiritual traditions are eroding in the modern period using a fragmented narrative framework and a collage of literary allusions.It's possible to view "Howl" and "The Wasteland" as social critiques that question the dominant cultural and social norms.
Famous English poet T.S. Eliot's masterpiece, "The Wasteland," first appeared in English literature in 1922. It is a contemporary epic that, in its condensed form, incorporates references to old Greek and Roman mythologies as well as references to ancient, Elizabethan, Victorian, and contemporary authors. It draws inspiration from anthropological works by James Frazer's "The Golden Bough" and Jessie L. Weston's "Ritual and Romance," respectively. Eliot illustrates his encompassing consciousness in this poem by fusing the past, present, and future into one seamless whole. In this body of work, dead poets and ancestors most forcefully proclaim their immortality, aiding Eliot in claiming not only the pastness but also the presence of the past.
'The Waste Land,' by T.S. Eliot, is perhaps the most studied, prodded, and scrutinised poem of the twentieth century.And there is no doubt that one's enjoyment of it will be enhanced by understanding the wide range of literary and mythic sources on which Eliot drew. This study is highlighted by Eliot's social criticism and its contemporary relevance. It sheds light on the current world's decay and provides solutions to all of humanity's problems. Eliot is one of the few writers who can instil modern sensibility in the right and true context.
Eliot's poem criticises the modern world and emphasises the need for change. The modern world's spiritual and emotional sterility reflects societal issues that must be addressed. Eliot's poem warns of the dangers of rejecting traditional structures of authority and belief. It emphasises the significance of preserving a sense of spirituality and moral values in a society.T.S. Eliot's "The Wasteland" theme of spiritual and emotional sterility is a form of social criticism. Eliot's poem reflects the modern world's spiritual emptiness and moral decay. The poem is a critique of the society that emerged in the aftermath of World War I, which shattered traditional authority and belief structures.
One of the key themes of "The Waste Land" is the fragmentation and alienation of modern life. Eliot portrays a world that is disconnected and disenchanted, where people are isolated and unable to connect with each other or find meaning in their lives. He uses multiple voices and perspectives to suggest that this sense of fragmentation is not just a personal experience, but a universal condition of modernity.
Another important theme in the poem is the breakdown of traditional values and beliefs. Eliot suggests that modern society has lost touch with its spiritual and cultural roots, and he uses references to mythology, religion, and literature to suggest that there is no longer a coherent cultural narrative that can provide meaning and purpose. Instead, Eliot portrays a world in which people are disconnected from their past and their traditions, leading to a sense of nihilism and despair.
This journey through the five parts of the poem ends in the optimistic note that through the renunciation of this worldly self the lustful sexuality of the wasteland may some day be redeemed.Eliot is also critical of the materialism and consumerism of modern society. He portrays a world in which people are obsessed with wealth, status, and possessions, and he suggests that this focus on material goods has led to a loss of human values and a sense of spiritual emptiness.
"The Waste Land" is a powerful critique of contemporary society, delving into themes such as fragmentation, alienation, loss of tradition, and materialism. Eliot's social criticism reflects his belief in the decline of Western culture, and he suggests that only by reconnecting with the past and discovering new sources of meaning can individuals and societies hope to overcome the sense of despair and fragmentation that characterises modern life.
Same as that Allen Ginsberg gives the insight of the 1950s.The poem is divided into three parts, and it is considered one of the most significant works of the Beat Generation, a literary movement that emerged in the 1950s and challenged traditional social and literary conventions.
The first part of the poem is a lament for the "best minds of Ginsberg's generation," who he believes have been destroyed by the oppressive social and political systems of the time. He describes his friends and contemporaries, many of whom were writers and artists, as being "starving hysterical naked" and "dragging themselves through the negro streets at dawn looking for an angry fix."
Ginsberg then turns his attention to the society that he believes has destroyed these individuals. He describes it as a "Moloch" that consumes people and destroys their humanity, characterizing it as a "vast and trunkless legs of stone" that symbolizes the mechanized and dehumanizing nature of modern society. He rails against the conformity and materialism of the culture, and portrays himself and his peers as rebels and outcasts, seeking to escape the oppressive structures that surround them.
The second part of the poem is a meditation on sexuality, with Ginsberg exploring the taboo subjects of homosexuality and bisexuality. He describes his own sexual experiences in explicit detail, challenging the traditional norms of sexuality and gender roles. He also celebrates the beauty and power of sexuality, depicting it as a source of liberation and creative energy.
The final part of the poem is a call to action, urging readers to "burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles." Ginsberg calls for an end to the repression and conformity of modern society, and encourages his readers to embrace their own creativity and individuality. He ends the poem with the famous line "the world is holy! The soul is holy! The skin is holy!" celebrating the sacredness of all things and the potential for spiritual transcendence in everyday life.
Thus "Howl" is a powerful and influential work of poetry that explores themes of rebellion, sexuality, and social critique. It challenged traditional literary and cultural norms, and helped to lay the groundwork for the counterculture of the 1960s.
Comparison Between Howl by Allen and The Wasteland
"Howl" by Allen Ginsberg and "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot are two of the most significant poems of the 20th century, and both works explore themes of alienation, fragmentation, and social critique. While the two poems differ in style and approach, there are several similarities between them.
First, both poems portray a sense of alienation and disconnection in modern society. Ginsberg's "Howl" describes a world in which individuals are oppressed by social and political structures, and are unable to connect with each other or find meaning in their lives. Eliot's "The Waste Land" similarly portrays a world that is fragmented and disenchanted, where people are isolated and unable to connect with each other or their cultural heritage.
Second, both poems critique the breakdown of traditional values and beliefs. Ginsberg's "Howl" suggests that modern society has lost touch with its spiritual and cultural roots, and that this has led to a sense of nihilism and despair. Eliot similarly critiques the loss of tradition and cultural heritage in "The Waste Land," suggesting that there is no longer a coherent cultural narrative that can provide meaning and purpose.
Third, both poems are highly intertextual, incorporating references to other literary works, cultural artefacts, and historical events. Ginsberg draws on a wide range of literary and cultural sources, from Walt Whitman to jazz music, to create a collage of voices and perspectives that reflects the fragmented nature of modern life. Eliot similarly incorporates a wide range of literary and cultural references in "The Waste Land," drawing on mythology, religion, and literature to create a dense and complex work of poetry.
"The Wasteland" portrays a world in which traditional values and beliefs have been eroded, leaving individuals adrift in a sea of meaningless and alienation. The poem explores the aftermath of World War I, which shattered the illusions of progress and stability that had characterized the pre-war world. Eliot's use of fragmented narrative structure and literary allusions suggests the disintegration of cultural and spiritual traditions in the modern age.
"Howl" critiques the conformity and homogeneity of American society in the 1950s. Ginsberg celebrates the countercultural movements of the time and calls for a rejection of mainstream values, such as materialism, consumerism, and conformity. The poem highlights the struggle for social justice and equality, particularly for marginalized groups such as homosexuals and drug users.
Both poems offer a voice to those who are excluded or marginalized from mainstream society and challenge dominant cultural and social norms. They reveal the sense of alienation, disconnection, and disillusionment that characterize modern society. Despite their differences in style and content, both "The Wasteland" and "Howl" continue to resonate with readers today as powerful critiques of the social and cultural issues of their respective eras.
To address issues like suffering, acting or not acting, being attached or detached, renunciation and worldliness, time and eternity, and life and death, the dissertation looks at many approaches. With the assistance of both poets, I can draw the conclusion that social critique aids in the development of the concept of hopelessness and disillusionment in society. The modern era brought about a number of changes, such as the human predicament and spiritual decay, which had a negative effect on contemporary psychiatric illness.This dissertation focuses on the fragmented imaginary of both poems and compares it with the societal issues with the help of Social Criticism.
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