Analysis of T.S. Eliots The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock Essay

Analysis of T.S. Eliots The extol Song of J. Alfred PrufrockThe honor Song of J. Alfred Prufrock demonstrates the effects of complaisant and economicpressure in the demeanor of a Victorian man. T.S. Eliot shows us, in an ironic monologue, how thereality of age and neighborly position paralyzes his character with fear. The poem opens with six linesfrom Dante?s ?Infernio?. This particular stanza explains that the speaker unit is in crazy house and the messagecan only be told to soul else in hell. The speaker tells us that it is OK for the listener to hearthe message, since in order to hear you mustiness already be in hell and no one ever returns from there.So the message exit neer leave. I believe Eliot uses this message to infer that only a subscriber whounderstands 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 commentators. Most agree however, tha t Prufrock is speaking to the lecturer when he says ?you andI?(Line 1). Many readers also agree that Prufrock is a nonsocial man, but what type of company hedesires seems to vary greatly. Interpretations include sex, social company, long term love, andeven death. I believe Prufrock yearns for the sense of belonging, some(prenominal) with a female and with hissociety. He conflicts with issues of sex, age and social change.The beginning lines of the poem(1-25) samara for a very descriptive picture of the streetwhere Prufrock is passing gameing. It also alerts the reader of Prufrock?s distaste for this area and thissociety. He describes it as ?have desert?,?muttering?.?one-night cheap hotels? and ?sawdustrestaurants?.(5-7) He contrasts that with his destination of a ?room where women come andgo/Talking of Michelangelo?(13&14). Prufrock doesn?t give the reader oft insight into his fancys until line 26. From this line forward, we get a glimpse of what it must be like to bePrufro ck. He tells us ?There will be time, there will be time/ To prepare a face to meet the facesthat you meet?(27-28), indicating repression. He must ?prepare? himself mentally to be able toput on the correct social exposure before he makes his ?visit?(12). The rest of the poem simplyreinforces his struggle between the way he would like to be and the reality of his life. He begins toponder the ?overwhelming question?(11) ... ...e is ?almost ridiculous--/ Almost, at times,the Fool.?(118-119)Although many of the comments and interpretations of ?The Love Song of J. AlfredPrufrock? that I have read seem to believe that the exist 4 stanzas are a sign that he may severalise outof his shell. I believe it is the surrender of all hope and the knowledge of the inconceivability ofhis desires. I think lines 120-130 are Prufrock?s way of notification us of the dream of youth that hewill leave behind. He will not ?wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled?(121) nor ?wear flanneltrousers, and walk u pon the beach.? These are the customs and actions of young passionate men.Men whose physical mien and less stuffy lifestyle will attract the ?mermaids?(124). Heconcedes ?I do not think that they will sing to me.?(125) Prufrock leaves us with the thought ofhow life and society can force us from our dreams and sink us with reality. ?We have lingered inthe chambers of the sea/ By sea-girls wreathed with seeweed red and browned/ Till human voiceswake us, and we drown.?(129-131) Works CitedEliot, T. S. ?The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.? still Poems 1909-1962 . New York Harcourt Brace, 1963.