J Alfred Prufrock

A detailed Summary of J Alfred Prufrock

"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" demonstrates the effects of social and economic

pressure in the life of a Victorian man. T.S. Eliot shows us, in an ironic monologue, how the

reality of age and social position paralyzes his character with fear. The poem opens with six lines

from Dante's "Infernio". This particular stanza explains that the speaker is in hell and the message

can only be told to someone else in hell. The speaker tells us that it is OK for the listener to hear

the message, since in order to hear you must already be in hell and no one ever returns from there.

So the message will never leave. I believe Eliot uses this message to infer that only a reader who

understands the loneliness and desperation of Prufrock can truly understand the poem. However,

in my research, I have found as many different interpretations of the poem as I have found

readers. Most agree; however, that Prufrock is speaking to the reader when he says "you and

I"(Line 1). Many readers also agree that Prufrock is a lonely man, but what type of company he

desires seems to vary greatly. Interpretations include sex, social company, long term love, and

even death. I believe Prufrock yearns for the

this parlor, and only three to describe that which is distasteful to him. But knowing he will not be

ponder the "overwhelming question"(11) of whether or not he could have a romantic interlude

Prufrock's stature would not do such distasteful things and would therefore be worthy of these

worth the formality of his life he could simply have the company of one of these women. Perhaps,

known the evenings, mornings, afternoons,"(50) describing the stages of his life from his youth

The beginning lines of the poem(1-25) paint for a very descriptive picture of the street

put on the correct social image before he makes his "visit"(12). The rest of the poem simply

be. But he does feel that he is watched like a specimen "formulated, sprawling on a pin"(57). But

Approximate Word count = 1323
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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