... accepting the death of his long sought triumph by sinking into a somber, dispassionate existence. Eliot begins the poem with an epigraph from Dante's Inferno suggesting that Prufrock speaks only because he is sure no one will listen and what has or has not been done will remain in that state ... along this journey. Contrary to the endless circuitous steps taken by Prufrock in his dialogue, the epigraph from Dante's Inferno is essential for mirroring his descent without ascension. As we continue on their venture, Prufrock finds distractions and forms excuses to avoid his initial intention ...

• Word Count: 964
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School