So for the last couple of weeks I have been captivated by the beat generation and their legacy. The beat generation was a group of writers during the post WW2 period. They explored spirituality and religion, they rejected materialism and the conformist values of society, they stood for liberation and exposure true human characteristics. The beat generation were poets, novelists and playwrights.
The most popular of beat literature is Jack Kerouac's On the road and Allen Ginsberg's Howl. Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, William Burroughs and Lucien Carr were the core group of beat generation authors, they celebrated creativity and non conformity. Beat literature is seen as a literary revolution that inspired American culture during the 1950s.
Beat literature is all about exposure of the human condition, it is about carpe diem- seizing the day no matter the cost. It is about living a true and meaningful life. The film Kill Your Darlings shows how the core group of beatniks met in columbia university and tells the tale of the beginning of their journey of becoming one of the most influential sub-cultures of the 20th century. Beat literature is one of my favourite genres as it really exposes true human characteristics and has such a powerful poetic influence.
Here are some recommendations for you to read:
- On the road- Jack keroac
- Howl- Allen Ginsberg
- Naked lunch- William Burroughs
- The first third- Neal Cassady
- Kaddish- Allen Ginsberg
There are also loads of films based on the beat generation, here are some that I've seen and recommend:
- Kill Your Darlings
- Howl
- On The Road
- Pull My Daisy
So read or watch, but I urge you all to delve into the beat generation,
Amani
