View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Non-conformists often conformed and opened what kinds of stores?

2. Ginsberg wants people to find _______________.

3. Ginsberg also talks about ___________.

4. Which of the following was common on the scene in those days?

5. Ginsberg hopes for the return of which of the following?

Short Essay Questions

1. What types of people are noticed by Ginsberg inside the supermarket?

2. What does Ginsberg say about the quality of the soul? Where does it fit into the theme?

3. Ginsberg spends a great deal of time talking about what is holy. What are the poet's thoughts on the subject?

4. How does Ginsberg compare the flower to the locomotive? What is the symbolism/metaphor?

5. What mystical reference is made by Ginsberg? Does Ginsberg want to keep it a secret?

6. What is Ginsberg's opinion of Whitman? How does the younger poet view the older, more famous poet?

7. What is the setting for Sunflower Sutra? What do the men dream about in regards to the scene?

8. Do you think that Ginsberg is being realistic in regards to this concept? Is there anything negative in the holiness?

9. What question does Ginsberg ask? To what can the sunflower be compared?

10. What is Ginsberg's first encounter with Whitman?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a detailed analysis of each line of HOWL. You can choose to do so using either subjective or academic reasoning. Explain your analysis in detail. Cite sources where applicable.

Essay Topic 2

One of the poems included in the work is titled SUNFLOWER SUTRA. What is a Sutra? Study all forms used by Ginsberg. It which is the most popular? Why? How many poems included in this work could be considered Sutras? What are common themes? How does Ginsberg incorporate imagery and juxtaposition in his work as he did in SUNFLOWER SUTRA? What is the purpose? Does it make the work better? Explain. What other poet is similar?

Essay Topic 3

In HOWL, Ginsberg talks about sex, drugs, alcohol, etc. as a substitute for something missing in one's life. Examine this theory. Do you agree or disagree? What proof is there to support each side of the argument? What is the basis for addiction? Is there a cure? If so, what is it and how is it administered? What is the "cure" rate for alcoholics and drugs addicts? Is one ever cured?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 623 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample