2 years, 7 months ago
What is the point of Alen Ginsberg poem "America"? As in what is the point he is trying to get across? In his lines... read for more
“I'm trying to come to the point. I refuse to give up my obsession” (22-23). He says he is trying to come to a point. What in your opinion is that point that he is trying to make. Explain what you think his point is and why. You can use other quotes from his poem to further your evidence to why you believe he is trying to make a certain point. Click this link to see and read the poem. The poem "America"
You will receive my 1M$ plus any tips for whoever provides the best answer.
You will receive my 1M$ plus any tips for whoever provides the best answer.
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M$1 Answer
Ever the voice of the non-conformist, I believe that Ginsberg was trying to point out the inanity of engendering in the American people the fear Communists and Communism when, to his way of thinking and in his experience, the threat was really not that great. I believe he was railing against the military-industrial complex.
these lines (quote)
America when will you be angelic?
When will you take off your clothes?
When will you look at yourself through the grave?
When will you be worthy of your million Trotskyites?
(end quote)
harken to the sentiment which would later be expressed in the 60's "Make Love, not War" - and protest war, in general.
These lines (quote)
America I used to be a communist when I was a kid and I'm not sorry.
I smoke marijuana every chance I get.
I sit in my house for days on end and stare at the roses in the closet.
When I go to Chinatown I get drunk and never get laid.
My mind is made up there's going to be trouble.
You should have seen me reading Marx.
(end quote)
relates that Ginsberg doesn't feel Communism is a threat, but he is resigned to the knowledge that there will be a continuing battle and vilification of Communism.
These lines (quote)
America when I was seven momma took me to Communist Cell meetings they
sold us garbanzos a handful per ticket a ticket costs a nickel and the
speeches were free everybody was angelic and sentimental about the
workers it was all so sincere you have no idea what a good thing the party
was in 1835 Scott Nearing was a grand old man a real mensch Mother
Bloor made me cry I once saw Israel Amter plain. Everybody must have
been a spy.
(end quote)
once again express that the exchange of thoughts (and goods) he saw in Communism as a child seemed very reasonable - not at all the stereotype... the thought that they might all be spies becomes rather comical (poking fun at McCarthyism).
and finally, these lines (quote)
I'd better get right down to the job.
It's true I don't want to join the Army or turn lathes in precision parts
factories, I'm nearsighted and psychopathic anyway.
America I'm putting my queer shoulder to the wheel.
(end quote)
indicate that being patriotic isn't always about towing the "party line", but rather includes speaking out about opposing points of view about trying to wake up a nation which is blindly following its government to question, debate, and really investigate motives.
It's a poem about Ginsberg's disappointment, disillusionment, and bewilderment at the control exerted on a nation, propelling them into a war, a long-term conflict, for reasons which don't make sense to him.
these lines (quote)
America when will you be angelic?
When will you take off your clothes?
When will you look at yourself through the grave?
When will you be worthy of your million Trotskyites?
(end quote)
harken to the sentiment which would later be expressed in the 60's "Make Love, not War" - and protest war, in general.
These lines (quote)
America I used to be a communist when I was a kid and I'm not sorry.
I smoke marijuana every chance I get.
I sit in my house for days on end and stare at the roses in the closet.
When I go to Chinatown I get drunk and never get laid.
My mind is made up there's going to be trouble.
You should have seen me reading Marx.
(end quote)
relates that Ginsberg doesn't feel Communism is a threat, but he is resigned to the knowledge that there will be a continuing battle and vilification of Communism.
These lines (quote)
America when I was seven momma took me to Communist Cell meetings they
sold us garbanzos a handful per ticket a ticket costs a nickel and the
speeches were free everybody was angelic and sentimental about the
workers it was all so sincere you have no idea what a good thing the party
was in 1835 Scott Nearing was a grand old man a real mensch Mother
Bloor made me cry I once saw Israel Amter plain. Everybody must have
been a spy.
(end quote)
once again express that the exchange of thoughts (and goods) he saw in Communism as a child seemed very reasonable - not at all the stereotype... the thought that they might all be spies becomes rather comical (poking fun at McCarthyism).
and finally, these lines (quote)
I'd better get right down to the job.
It's true I don't want to join the Army or turn lathes in precision parts
factories, I'm nearsighted and psychopathic anyway.
America I'm putting my queer shoulder to the wheel.
(end quote)
indicate that being patriotic isn't always about towing the "party line", but rather includes speaking out about opposing points of view about trying to wake up a nation which is blindly following its government to question, debate, and really investigate motives.
It's a poem about Ginsberg's disappointment, disillusionment, and bewilderment at the control exerted on a nation, propelling them into a war, a long-term conflict, for reasons which don't make sense to him.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Great personal opinion! Great Job! I love your take on the poem. (Remember, everyone's take on a poem can be different.) (^_^)V
Hey @windowshopper! I thought you did a fantastic job with this answer, so you've been nominated.
Windowshopper, and all others who thought this answer was great, please go and vote for her HERE.
Thanks, and wonderful job!
Yep yep, when people ask questions like these they have to have open minds lol (^_^)V
Thank you, @mysterygirl89. You are absolutely correct that everyone interprets poems (and literature) individually, by what the poem says to them, so everyone takes away something different. My answer is only my interpretation, but thank you for seeing some merit in it!
Congratulations! Your answer won first place in our Answer of the Day contest! You win $4.00 and are now the proud owner of the Mahalo Tiki Torch!
Wow - Thank you @gno!! I appreciate the nomination!