Moloch in Allen Ginsberg’s poem Howl represents the destructive forces of modern society, particularly those related to capitalism, industrialization, and dehumanization. Ginsberg uses the figure of Moloch as a metaphor for the oppressive and soulless aspects of contemporary life.
In ancient times, Moloch was a deity to whom children were sacrificed, symbolizing the idea of sacrificing the innocent for the sake of greater power or wealth. Ginsberg parallels this concept with the way society demands sacrifices from individuals—especially the marginalized and the creative—often leading to their spiritual and physical demise.
The repeated invocations of Moloch throughout the poem highlight the poet’s anguish over the loss of individuality and the overwhelming influence of a system that prioritizes profit over humanity. Through this powerful symbol, Ginsberg critiques the societal structures that contribute to mental illness, alienation, and the erosion of genuine connection among people.