Ep 7. The Source: the Story of the Beats and the Beat Generation
- May 31, 2000
-
8.3 (13)
The American Masters season 14 episode 7 titled "The Source: the Story of the Beats and the Beat Generation" takes a deep dive into the literary and cultural movement of the 1950s known as the Beat Generation. This episode explores the origins of the movement, its key players, and the impact it had on American culture.
The episode begins by introducing the three most prominent figures of the Beat Generation: Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William S. Burroughs. Through archival footage and interviews with experts and contemporaries, the episode delves into their early lives and the events that shaped their artistic sensibilities.
The Beats rejected the conformity and materialism of post-war America and sought a new, authentic way of living. They found inspiration in Buddhism, jazz, and the works of writers like Walt Whitman and Henry Miller. The episode explores how these influences manifested in the Beat's writing and lifestyle.
The episode also examines the role of women in the Beat Generation. While male writers like Kerouac and Ginsberg are often the face of the movement, women like Diane di Prima, Joyce Johnson, and Carolyn Cassady were also active participants and writers. The episode delves into their contributions and the challenges they faced in a male-dominated literary scene.
One of the most iconic pieces of Beat literature is Ginsberg's poem "Howl." The episode devotes a significant portion to its creation, publication, and the obscenity trial that followed. Through interviews with Ginsberg himself and a host of experts, the episode explores the significance of "Howl" and its enduring popularity.
The episode also touches on the darker side of the Beat lifestyle, including drug addiction and mental illness. It explores how these factors contributed to the premature deaths of many Beat writers and their struggles with fame and fortune.
Overall, "The Source: the Story of the Beats and the Beat Generation" provides a fascinating glimpse into one of the most significant literary and cultural movements of the 20th century. Through interviews, archival footage, and literary analysis, the episode explores the Beats' legacy and their enduring impact on American culture.
