Analysis of Allen Ginsberg's America

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Recommended: Social context of the poem America by Ginsberg

Analysis of Allen Ginsberg's America

What Allen Ginsberg did in 1955 was unthinkable. In the midst of McCarthyism and severe anticommunist sentiment, he wrote a poem in which he admitted having belonged to the Communist party. Yet, even more surprising was that he didn't stop there. In his poem "America," Allen Ginsberg challenges the beliefs and values that the United States has always cherished, leaving no stone unturned, and no feather unruffled. Always the cynic and revolutionary, Ginsberg slaughters the sacred cows.

It is evident from the very beginning that Ginsberg is disillusioned with American society, and he is ready to turn his back on what he feels has been oppressing him. "America I've given you all and now I'm nothing." (P-M 368) He goes on to explain that all he has left is pocket change, which is little consolation for the mind he has lost. It is from this point on that Ginsberg explores the resentment felt toward America, and why he can't succumb to the complacency that grips the rest of the population.

One of the most blatant, and effective social commentaries lies in the line, "Go *censored* yourself with your atom bomb." (P-M 368) The Cold War raged as Ginsberg penned this work, and every facet of American culture reflected in some way the fear associated with nuclear destruction. The Military Industrial Complex (M.I.C.) built more bombs and bombers, while technology was birthed and antiquated month after month. America was moving at record speed toward what Ginsberg viewed as insanity. Tired of being pushed forward, he writes, "I don't feel good don't bother me. / I won't write my poem till I'm in my right mind." (P-M 368) He is dragging his feet, never wanting to give into America's "insane d...

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...e then professes that he isn't fit out for the army, or making precision parts, so the reader is left to ponder what direction Ginsberg will take. Based upon his later work, it is clear that he chose the path of greatest resistance, yet he remained true to form his entire career.

Always having to have the last word, Ginsberg wraps up "America" by stating proudly he is "putting (his) queer shoulder to the wheel." (P-M 370) He has accepted only his version of America and has exposed the other America for the fraud it was. He was brutally honest and spared no feelings. His words were brave and meaningful, with irony and cynicism woven into the pattern of razor-sharp criticism. America could never be the same again. Allen Ginsberg had slaughtered the scared cows.

Bibliography:

Poetry for the Millenium, First Edition, "America" bvy Allen Ginsberg

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