Final answer:
The authors of the Beat Generation focused on social studies, critiquing post-war American society's materialism and conformity. They explored themes of anti-capitalism, consciousness, and nonconformity in their work, influencing future countercultures such as the hippies.
Correct option is 3.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two authors of the Beat Generation, which spanned from 1945 to 1962, focused on themes that critiqued the materialism and conformity of American society in the post-World War II era.
Their novels and poetry reflected the thoughts and lives of counterculture figures who sought a higher form of expression and experience.
This movement included authors like Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and William S. Burroughs, who explored topics such as anti-capitalism, the search for consciousness, meditation, nonconformity, and the experience of the marginalised in society.
Ginsberg's iconic work 'Howl' and Kerouac's 'On the Road' exemplify Beat literature with their free-form style and improvisatory nature, akin to the spontaneity of jazz.
The Beats' literary output was seen as bold and expressive, often leading to criticism from various parts of society, including academics, established poets, and mainstream America.
The subject matters depicted in the Beat Generation's literature most closely align with social studies, rather than English literature, mathematics, science, or none of the above.
Their works were influential in shaping the culture of the time and inspiring future generations, such as the hippies, who also advocated for breaking social boundaries and promoting freedom of expression and philosophy.
Correct option is 3.