Reading Allen Ginsberg's \"Howl\" through Lefebvre's Spatial Theory

Authors : Gamze Ar

Pages : 81-93

Doi:10.30804/cesmicihan.1377095

View : 57 | Download : 66

Publication Date : 2023-12-07

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Allen Ginsberg, a prominent American poet and writer, is widely recognized for his significant contribution to American literature by creating his authentic style and as a critical figure in the Beat Generation. This literary movement emerged in the 1950s as a response to the time\'s oppressive and conservative societal norms, including the fear of nuclear war, the rise of consumerism, and the stifling conformity of the Cold War era. Ginsberg\'s literary voice captured the essence of this movement, expressing its countercultural values through his descriptions and language, which were often explicit and straightforward. This study examines \"Howl\" through the lens of Lefebvre\'s Spatial Theory, which provides a critical framework for analyzing the spatial dimensions of social life. By applying Lefebvre\'s theory, this analysis reveals the spatial dimensions of the poem, including the relationship between space and time, space and ideology, and the relationship between poetry and language. The use of spatial theory in literary analysis offers a unique perspective on the social and cultural context of the time, providing insights into how spatial and ideological power relations are reflected in literature. This study will contribute to a sociological commentary on American literature as it explores the role of space and place in the production and reception of literary works. It also provides an analytical framework for understanding the spatial dimensions of social life in 1950s America.
Keywords : Allen Ginsberg, Beat kuşağı, Howl, Lefebvre, Mekansal teori