The term "beat" was first used in this context by writer Jack Kerouac, who defined it as "a state of mind that can be described as a loss of faith in the possibilities of conventional society." Beat writers often explored themes of alienation, disaffection, and disillusionment with mainstream culture.
The beat generation is closely associated with a group of writers and poets who became prominent in the 1950s, including Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, Gregory Corso, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and Gary Snyder, among others. These writers often drew inspiration from their own personal experiences, travels, and encounters with various cultures and lifestyles.
Beat literature is known for its unconventional style, which rejected traditional forms and embraced spontaneity, experimentation, and stream-of-consciousness writing. Beat writers often used vivid imagery, unconventional punctuation, and colloquial language in their works.
The beat generation's influence extended beyond literature, encompassing music, art, film, and other creative fields. It became a symbol of counterculture and nonconformity, and its impact can still be seen in contemporary culture and literature.