In which generation is the poem "Howl" placed?

The poem "Howl," written by Allen Ginsberg, is a seminal work of the Beat Generation. This literary and cultural movement emerged in the 1950s, characterized by a rejection of conventional values, exploration of spirituality, and exploration of themes such as sexuality, drug use, and the critique of materialism. Ginsberg's "Howl" particularly embodies these characteristics through its visceral language and exploration of the struggles faced by individuals in a rapidly changing society.

The Beat Generation sought to challenge the norms of the preceding eras, which included movements like the Lost Generation, Harlem Renaissance, and Transcendentalism. Each of those movements had distinct themes and focal points that do not align with the central concerns of Ginsberg's work. Thus, placing "Howl" within the context of the Beat Generation highlights its significance in both literary history and the broader cultural currents of the 20th century.