Prufrock

... social situations. Rather, he convinces himself that he is a failure and he retreats to his private world. The poem begins with a dramatic monologue. Prufrock asks you to walk with him through the streets of the city. The monologue is specifically directed at a listener or listeners whose presence is not directly ... the speaker seems to be addressing himself but is really speaking to the reader, who plays the part of the silent listener. It is possible that Prufrock is speaking to a potential lover, but it seems unlikely considering the manner in which he confides in the listener. As th...

• Word Count: 1384
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... himself, his ability to give and receive love, and, his ability to make something meaningful of his life. Through his impotent, dream-haunted Prufrock, Eliot defines the human condition in the face of a modern world, which is disconnected from, of all but the remnants of meaning. T.S. ... part my hair to the side," shows Prufrockaccepting his flaws and in the end, making himself less motivated and somewhat depressed. A perfect example of Prufrock's depression, lack of confidence, and absolutely no motivation at all, is when Eliot writes about mermaids. "I have heard the mermaids singing,...

• Word Count: 1341
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... a hundred indecisions/And for a hundred visions and revisions/Before taking of the toast and tea (31-34)."" This shows Prufrock trying to escape his conviction of asking the question. Prufrock's growing lack of concern towards others reflects his aging weariness. He has catered to the scene of high society for years ... walking along a perfect beach, wearing fine "white flannel trousers (113)."" He has neither lost nor gained anything; his decision has added up to nothing. Prufrock often talks of the party scene, but speaks to no one. Even when the scene unfolds in his mind, he is spee...

• Word Count: 1093
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... very sociable creatures. In contrast to dogs, who are often referred to as a man's best friend, cats often keep to themselves. Elliot compares Prufrock to a cat because of the difficulty he has to socialize with others (particularly women), and spends the whole poem trying to muster the courage to ... talk to just one girl. In addition, the word choice that is used influences the description of Prufrock. He refers to "yellow fog"" and "yellow smoke"" to explain the state of his own mind: clouded. He cannot act around people because ... To say: "I am Lazarus, come from the dead, Come bac...

• Word Count: 943
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... that revealed something about the speaker, by the 1800's, the art of dramatic monologue had adopted three things that would influence T.S. Eliot and his poem, "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock." They are a "distinctive manner of speech," the unintended revelation of the speaker, and "the poets" changing response to the very immediate circumstances in which, and of which, he is ... stressed emotions, through an erratic form of abstracted conversation. (Classic) Another one of the fundamental aspects of a dramatic monologue is an unintended revelation of the speaker. In the case of Pr...

• Word Count: 1038
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... not take place completely, the age that everything is much deeper, either in relationships or social values, and people are not materialistic like the present. Prufrock may feel that he does not fit to this particular society. "My morning coat, my collar mounting firmly to the chin." He is ... are not interested in him and he has to cure his lonely heart by the escapisms instead. Due to his unsatisfied conditions in his real life, Prufrock consciously escapes to the 'Fantasy' or his imaginary world where he can express freely and not be criticized from others. The fantasy is a situat...

• Word Count: 1950
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography

... The consequence of Guidos sin would be eternal damnation. While the question given to Guido is a clear choice, the one given to Prufrock isnt as clear. Prufrock is also faced with a tough decision, but differs from Guido in his failure to decide. He is plagued by a hundred indecisions and ... with a clear choice, between helping Boniface and not helping Boniface, between sin and virtue, and hence damnation and salvation, while the question confronting Prufrock is never spelled out, and its source never clearly identified. The poem, rather, focuses on Prufrocks inability, in the absence ...

• Word Count: 1019
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... awareness. His inactive existence has caused this distortion of reality, fear of confrontation, and draws upon the daydream/nightmare he lives in. Prufrock misses his mark by having paralyzing awareness with no action. Having missed his chance at love, he fades into his final dream ... has or has not been done will remain in that state. The person whom these confessional thoughts are directed appears to exist in a realm imperforable to Prufrock. The imagery of "a patient etherized upon a table"(3) and "half-deserted streets"(4) paints a somber picture, implying a dark soulless setting, a...

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

... up the courage to begin a relationship with one. He is afraid of being rejected and ridiculed, so afraid that he cannot take the risk. Unfortunately, Prufrock's hell is escapable, so he still has his dignity to lose. Another allusion found in the poem is a biblical one, which creates a reference to ... wanted in his kingdom. Salome's mother told her to request the head of John the Baptist on a silver platter. Herod complied. Prufrock's situation is similar. The woman Prufrock at the party compels him. He wants to act; he wants to reveal his emotions to this girl but is too afraid. ... . I...

• Word Count: 548
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School