Allen Ginsberg's Poetry Lesson Plan

Investigation of the Obscene: Ginsberg’s “Howl”

Kind of Activity:

Collaborative Writing

Objective:

Students will investigate the reasons that literature, including Ginsberg’s poem “Howl,” could be characterized as obscene and not suitable for certain audiences. In this two-day activity, students will define what is obscene and set standards for general use.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as...