Allen Ginsberg's Poetry Lesson Plan

Consider the title of the poem, “Howl.” Brainstorm for words that you associate with the word, howl. Make a list. What do these words have in common? What does your list suggest? How does this prepare the reader for what to expect in Ginsberg’s poem?

Students should list at least five words. Synonyms include: bark, bellow, cry, moan, scream, shout and yell. These words are all loud, explosive, wild, suggesting that the poem will be unconventional, in the least. It prepares the reader for an outcry or a rant.

Allen Ginsberg dedicates the poem to a person named Carl Solomon. What do you think the dedication means? After you have read the poem, return to find...