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

Analysis of T.S. Eliots The Love cry of J. Alf fierce PrufrockThe Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock demonstrates the effects of social and economicpressure in the life of a Victorian man. T.S. Eliot shows us, in an ironic monologue, how thereality of age and social position paralyzes his character with fear. The poem opens with six linesfrom Dante?s ?Infernio?. This particular stanza explains that the speaker is in hell and the message potful only be told to someone else in hell. The speaker tells us that it is OK for the listener to hearthe message, since in order to hear you must already be in hell and no one ever returns from there.So the message will never leave. I believe Eliot uses this message to infer that only a reader 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 foundreaders. Most agree however, that Prufrock is speaking to the reader when he says ?you andI?(Line 1). Many readers also agree that Prufrock is a lonely man, exclusively 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, both with a effeminate and with hissociety. He argues with issues of sex, age and social change.The beginning lines of the poem(1-25) paint for a very descriptive picture of the streetwhere Prufrock is walking. It also alerts the reader of Prufrock?s distaste for this world and thissociety. He describes it as ?have deserted?,?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 much insight into histhoughts until line 26. From this line forward, we get a glimpse of what it must be like to bePrufrock. He tells us ?There will be time, there will be time/ To stand up 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 image 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 last 4 stanzas are a sign that he may break outof his shell. I believe it is the surrender of all hope and the recognition of the inconceivability ofhis desires. I think lines 120-130 are Prufrock?s way of telling us of the dream of spring chicken that hewill leave behind. He will not ?wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled?(121) nor ?wear flanneltrousers, and walk upon the beach.? These are the customs and actions of young dem on-ridden men.Men whose physical appearance and less stuffy lifestyle will attract the ?mermaids?(124). Heconcedes ?I do not think that they will peach 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 brown/ Till human voiceswake us, and we drown.?(129-131) Works CitedEliot, T. S. ?The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.? Collected Poems 1909-1962 . New York Harcourt Brace, 1963.