The document discusses the historical context surrounding Allen Ginsberg's iconic poem "Howl," noting that it was published in 1956 during the post-World War II era of the American Dream and rise of television and media. "Howl" was a seminal work for the Beat generation, whose members would gather in bars and streets to express their artistic literature in a style that broke from conventions. While controversial for its explicit content, "Howl" came to be considered one of the greatest American poems upon its publication by City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco in 1955.