The Beat Generation Essay - 1538 Words

The one thing that we yearn for in our living days, that makes us sigh and groan and undergo sweet nauseas of all kinds, is the remembrance of some lost bliss that was probably experienced in the womb and can only be reproduced (though we hate to admit it) in death. (Kerouac, Jack. â€Å"On the road.†). This quote, from Jack Kerouac’s book On the Road, is a brilliant example of the overall feel of the Beat Generation. Jack Kerouac is one of the most influential writers of the Beat Generation, rivaled only by the likes of Allen Ginsberg and William S. Burrough. But what exactly is the Beat Generation? What does it mean? Who of note was involved? When did it take place? The â€Å"Beat Generation† is a play on words, implying that the participants†¦show more content†¦The Beat Generation, a highly rebellious and conflict heavy group were invaluable in our countries development, without them America would be a completely different place. It is common knowled ge that Jack Kerouac was a key part of the Beat Generation, but why did he matter, what was his most influential work? Born on March 12, 1922 in Lowell, Massachusetts to French-speaking parents from the French quarter of Quebec and French was spoken at home, Kerouac was the final of three children (Jack Kerouac). As a result of his upbringing, Kerouac was not a native English speaker; he actually did not learn English until the age of six (Jack Kerouac). Kerouac experienced tragedy at a dreadfully young age, his older brother Gerard died of rheumatic fever when he was four years old (Jack Kerouac). Kerouac and Gerard had grown close during Gerard’s illness, and Gerard’s death left Kerouac feeling exceptionally lost. But the lessons Kerouac learned from Gerard’s death would stay with him forever and shape his future writing, particularly his â€Å"reverence for life† (Jack Kerouac). Kerouac actually coined the term Beat Generation in his highly influential book On the Road They were like the man with the dungeon stone and gloom, rising from the underground, theShow MoreRelatedBeat Generation1934 Words   |  8 PagesBeats and Their Poetry The Beat Movement in modern literature has become an important period in the history of literature and society in America. By incorporating influences such as jazz, art, literature, philosophy and religion, the beat writers created a new and prophetic vision of modern life and changed the way a generation of people saw the world. That generation has aged and its representative voices are slowly becoming lost to eternity, but the message is alive and well. The Beats haveRead MoreThe Beat Generation Essay1031 Words   |  5 PagesThe Beat Movement in modern literature has become an important period in the history of literature and society in America. Incorporating influences such as jazz, art, literature, philosophy and religion, the beat writers created a new vision of modern life and changed the way a generation of people seen the world. The generation is now aging and its representative voices are becoming lost, but the message is alive and well. The Beats have forever change d the nature of American literature. TheyRead MoreEssay on The Beat Generation887 Words   |  4 PagesThe beat movement is a literary period born out of World War II. This movement in American Literature has become an important period in the history of literature and society in America. Characterized by personal alienation and contempt for convention, the movement celebrated stylistic freedom and spontaneity. The Beat writers created a new vision of modern life and altered the nature of awareness in America. 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