| dc.description.abstract | Why Whitman and Ginsberg have been regarded to be insane, and why “Calamus” and Howl and Other Poems have been considered to be obscene and offensive have never been fully discussed. In this thesis, I will analyze the differences and similarities between the two poets and their works, bring forward the causes of harsh criticisms and consequences of writing homoerotic poems, and point out the relationship between homoeroticism, madness and obscenity. In the first chapter, “Introduction,” I will begin with the different historical backgrounds of Whitman and Ginsberg by using Foucault’s observation on the development of sexuality. Although the time and space is so different, the two poets share the same theme of male-male relationship in their works. In Chapter 2 “The Love, the Touch and the Pleasure: Implicit “Calamus” and Explicit Howl and Other Poems,” the male speakers’ bold expression of their desire for other men will be revealed; yet there is a distinction between the two works. The next chapter—Chapter 3 Insanity, Obscenity and Productivity: “Calamus” for Work and Howl and Other Poems for Pleasure—will talk about another similarity between the two poets—the consequences of writing homosexuality. I will discuss the function of the notoriety and the infamy appeared in the negative or hostile critiques by using Foucault’s theory in his Madness and Civilization, revealing the interrelationship of insanity and obscenity. Whitman and Ginsberg’s responses to the opposition criticisms will be demonstrated in this chapter as well. In the last chapter, “Conclusion,” I will again use Foucault’s Volume 1 of The History of Sexuality to show why homoeroticism in their poems is marginalized and why it receives such treatment. Together these four chapters will demonstrate how Whitman and Ginsberg display homoeroticism differently, how they are examined and treated by distinct sides, how homosexuality is attached to obscenity and insanity, what kind of effects the condemnation of male-male eroticism has on their works, and how the two poets respond to such situation. | en_US |