Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Allen Ginsberg's "On the Conduct of the World Seeking Beauty Against Government" is a powerful and reflective poem that navigates the complexities of revolutionary thought, the quest for beauty, and the enduring tension between individual aspirations and governmental structures. Ginsberg uses historical and literary references to weave a tapestry of revolutionary idealism and the inevitable disillusionment that often accompanies it.

The poem opens with a contemplative question: "Is that the only way we can become like Indians, like Rhinoceri, like Quartz Crystals, like organic farmers, live what we imagine Adam & Eve to’ve been, caressing each other with trembling limbs before the Snake of Revolutionary Sex wrapped itself round the Tree of Knowledge?" This imagery juxtaposes the purity of a prelapsarian existence with the intrusion of revolutionary fervor, symbolized by the "Snake of Revolutionary Sex." The reference to Adam and Eve evokes a longing for an innocent and harmonious state of being, untainted by political strife and ideological battles.

Ginsberg then brings in the figure of Roque Dalton, a Salvadoran poet and revolutionary, whose teeth chatter "like a machine gun" as he debates mass tactics with his comrades. This visceral image underscores the violent and fraught nature of revolutionary discourse. Dalton's humor and determination contrast with the grim realities of revolutionary action, emphasizing the tension between ideological purity and practical execution.

The poem continues with a reflection on the necessity and morality of violent revolution: "Necessary to kill the Yanquis with big bomb / Yes but don’t do it by yourself, better consult your mother to get the Correct Line of Thought." Ginsberg critiques the simplistic and often destructive solutions proposed by revolutionary zealots, advocating for a more considered and humane approach. The reference to consulting one's mother adds a layer of irony, suggesting that even in matters of grave political significance, personal relationships and ethical considerations should not be overlooked.

Ginsberg's invocation of literary and historical figures like Rimbaud, Lenin, Khlebnikov, and Mayakovsky serves to illustrate the personal costs of revolutionary fervor. Rimbaud, who abandoned poetry after a profound period of creative output, and Lenin, who suffered strokes and witnessed the bureaucracy's cold takeover, exemplify the tragic consequences of revolutionary ideals. Khlebnikov's exposure of his stomach to the sun and Mayakovsky's suicide reflect the physical and emotional tolls of their respective struggles. These references ground Ginsberg's critique in a historical context, highlighting the recurring patterns of revolutionary disillusionment.

The poem's culmination in a rhetorical question—"What Slogan for Futurist architects or epic hymn for masses of Communist Party Card holders in Futurity on the conduct of the world seeking beauty against Government?"—captures the central dilemma of the poem. Ginsberg questions the efficacy and authenticity of political slogans and epic hymns in addressing the deeper human quest for beauty and meaning. The "conduct of the world" seeking beauty is contrasted with the often oppressive and bureaucratic nature of government, suggesting an inherent conflict between personal aspirations and institutional mandates.

Ginsberg's use of vivid imagery, historical references, and rhetorical questioning invites readers to ponder the complexities of revolutionary thought and the enduring human desire for beauty and harmony. The poem critiques the often myopic and violent tendencies of political movements while advocating for a more nuanced and humane approach to societal change. Through his reflective and critical lens, Ginsberg emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between ideological fervor and the fundamental human values of compassion and beauty.

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