The Surgeon General's Report on Smoking and Health, released in 1964 by Luther Terry, was a groundbreaking document linking cigarette smoking to serious health issues such as lung cancer and chronic bronchitis. This report catalyzed public health campaigns and legislative actions aimed at reducing smoking rates in the United States. Its findings significantly changed public perceptions of smoking and led to increased regulation of tobacco products.

The Surgeon General's 1964 report reshaped the perception of smoking in literature, transitioning it from a symbol of intellect to a public health concern. This shift prompted poets to re-evaluate the cultural narratives surrounding smoking and its implications for identity.