The True Source of Inspiration

 A factor that makes "Howl" unique from many other poems is how Ginsberg's life events have contributed as a strong and prominent source of inspiration. Ginsberg commences Part II of the poem by referring to his friend's, Bill Cannastra's, death. Cannastra died by being dragged by a subway train in New York which has been described in the line, "What sphinx of cement and aluminum bashed open their skulls and ate up their brains and imagination?" This incident altered his perception of life as it made him believe in the evil powers of Moloch. The name "Moloch" was also introduced in Ginsberg's life through another life incident. Walking drunk and high through the streets of San Fransisco, Ginsberg hallucinated and described the the St Francis Hotel as an evil devil with antagonistic qualities and named it "Moloch." Moloch becomes the symbol of social oppression and evilness through the whole Part II. Hence, Ginsberg's life events have strongly affected his perception of life and have influenced the poem to make it unique and engaging. 

-Aditya