The Presence of Walt Whitman in “A Supermarket in California”
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document in English
literature
school essay
published 10/05/2007
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level : General public
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SummaryAllen Ginsberg’s poem “A Supermarket in California” is a vivid depiction of the contrast between a lighted, populated American supermarket and the dark, solitary streets outside; a contrast between the youthful American generation and the aged, solitary Walt Whitman who is contained within it. It is here in the supermarket where Ginsberg observes the shoppers and reflects on the “lost America” (line 24) as he wanders among the aisles, following the imaginary Walt Whitman, his inspiration and equivalent. In “A Supermarket in California,” Allen Ginsberg uses Walt Whitman as a tool for inspiration and communication, in order to voice his own disillusionment regarding the changing of America, as well as to express his feelings of personal isolation during the time period.
Table of Contents
- Ginsberg relates to Whitman immediately: as he experiences his 'headache self-conscious?
- Each person in the supermarket that Ginsberg mentions is somehow connected to another person
- Ginsberg is left behind with Whitman, who in 'A Supermarket in California' is present to see this evolved era.
- When the two poets leave the supermarket, Ginsberg further develops his relationship with Walt Whitman by switching from a narrative approach of writing
- The influence of Walt Whitman on Allen Ginsberg
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