The epigraph of the poem is one example of such an allusion. In his epigraph Elliot introduces a literary allusion from Dante’s poem “Inferno.” In this allusion a man condemned to hell states his feelings. He states that because he is in hell and knows he shall never escape from hell he is free to answer “without fear of infamy.” This allusion helps to signify Prufrock’s personal hell. Prufrock’s hell consists of his doubts and fears when it relate

In relation to the Hamlet allusion, Elliot introduces another allusion relating to Polonius. This is presented in line 112 with the words “attendant lord.” Prufrock, having an inferiority complex, states that he will never be a main character with a purpose, like Hamlet, but instead will play the fool like Polonius. By introducing these two allusions, Polonius and Hamlet, Elliot also creates a distinguishable foil. Prufrock sees himself as a Polonius and not a Hamlet. Hamlet is everything he wants to be, but he is too afraid to try to become a Hamlet. By stating that he is more like Polonius, Prufrock has given up on himself and condemned himself to failure.

Together the allusions create a depiction of Prufrock’s life and personality. They provide comparisons that provide an overall image

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