Essay Database

Allen Ginsberg has been credited "the single greatest influence on the American poetic voice since Whitman", by Bob Dylan himself, and Ginsberg would most probably agree, being his own biggest fan. "America" is typical of Allen Ginsberg in that it's increadibly long. Allen Ginsbergs poems are characteristically long winded and conversational- or monologual- quite unlike the usual style of a poem. He uses peoples full names, and often dedicates poems to specific people. He writes …

…role in the runnings of america- offering concerned interest and advice- a far more adult perspective- and finally in the last two lines decides to take action for what he believes in. Overall I found this a provocative, entertaining and satisfying poem to read. Although allen ginsberg definatly has a habit for writing odd overly long inside-joke style confusing poems, I thought "america" was particularly to the point and relevant, coming from an american's pen.