Curse the Moloch

Ginsberg uses the Moloch in Part II of "Howl" to represent social oppression, the sole reason for the best minds going insane. Moloch refers to gods or traditions from Middle Eastern or Mediterranean religions, which usually involves a sacrifice. Ginsberg further emphasizes that conforming to society for acceptance into it is actually a sacrifice, and that sacrifice is social freedom. In Part II, Ginsberg utterly destroys Moloch by the use of metaphors, showing his clear distaste for Moloch and all it represents. He mocks it, and ultimately blames it for the social oppression at that time: "They broke their backs lifting Moloch to Heaven! Pave- ments, trees, radios, tons! lifting the city to Heaven which exists and is everywhere about us!" Here, Ginsberg addresses the fact that oppression is unnecessary and caused entirely by the people that make up society. The desire to fit into society is what makes people go insane, especially those who naturally stick out. This mentality to fit in can consume someone, as they conceal themselves to become more "normal", yet in the end it offers no benefit to that person, unless going insane is considered beneficial.

-Courtney