The Love Song by Alfred Prufock - Essay Example

An Analysis of “The Love Song by Alfred Prufock” “The love song of J. Alfred Prufrock” was written by T.S. Eliot (1888-1965). “Prufrock” poetry of T.S. Eliot was published in an issue of Poetry: A Magazine of Verse during 1915. J. Alfred Prufrock; who was presumably an intellectual in his middle age; grasps different avenues of a modern city. While shedding light on the various scenes at streets, he particularly focuses on a gathering of women, who was discussing Michelangelo. By utilizing his deep observation, the poet sees the smoke outside the house where women were gathered.

The focal point of the poem is that the social world needs volunteers for unfinished agendas. T.S. Eliot hints readers through the title of the poem that it is not an ordinary love poem. He provided many clues to readers in the poem for reaching at the conclusion in dramatic monologue. Besides, the poet reveals different meanings to reward readers. The use of epigraph shows that J. Alfred Prufrock speaks only in the poem and remains silent in the real life settings. By employing various techniques of poetry, T.S. Eliot expresses the insecurity of Prufrock in a modern society.

The poem provides delicate clues to readers about its hidden meanings and foremost hints come from Dante’s inferno: S’io dredesse che mia reposta fosseA persona che mai tomasse al mondo,Questa fiamma staria senza piu scosse.Ma perciocche giammai di questo fondoNon torno vivo alcum, s’I’ dod il vero,Senza tema d’infamia ti rispondo. (27.61-66)The extracted meanings of these verses are that speaker did not know that his words would cross the boundaries of Hades; otherwise he did not utter them.

The poet believes that Dante will not die and hence he reveals secrets to the world of dead bodies. As compare to the rest of the poem, this stanza manifests the real motive of the poet. The information provided in the poem seems irrelevant until it places in true context; but by comparing the poem with the story told to Dante, T.S. Eliot warns readers to consider it an immature analogue. The usage of ‘you’ in the opening lines makes this poem purely an analogue; “Let us go then, you and I” (11. 13-14). By sketching a social event, perhaps a tea party, and using the name of ‘Michelangelo’, the poet givens impression that persons involved in the event belong to academics of the society.

It seems that Alfred Prufrock was participating in the event as a student. With the development of events in the poem, the poet started to provide small pieces of information about Alfred Prufrock. And I have known the arms already, knownThem all----Arms hat are braceleted and white and bare(But in the lamplight, downed with light brownhair!)Is it perfume from a dressThat makes me so digress?Arms that lie along a table, or wrap about ashawl.And should I then presume?And how should I begin? (11. 62-69)This situation makes Prufrock insecure as women are beautiful and he believes on the paucity of his words.

Prufrock is giving importance to the physical features and gestures and it seems that the character of the poem knew these women already.T.S. Eliot depicts his own experience in this poem through his alter ego, Prufrock. Usage of epigraph with monologue helps to keep the poem alive even after many years. Work CitedT.S. Eliot, The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. The Norton Anthology of English Literatrue. 6th ed. Vol.2. ed. M.H.Abrams New York, London: Norton, 1993.