Preludes – T.

S Eliot

1. The word “Prelude” is a musical term, originally referring to an introductory

movement but more usually referring to a short piece reflecting a particular
impression or mood.
o Why ,do you think, has Eliot entitled the poem “Preludes”?
o Why is it fragmented?
o Preludes to what?
o Or, do they simply offer a series of impressions of a scene or sketch in a mood
rather than develop a central, serious idea or characterisation?
2. What type of imagery is presented in all four Preludes? Quote words which help to
build up this imagery?
3. How do sounds and rhythm help to create tone and imagery?
4. Explain the meaning of Masquerados in the context of the poem.
5. What is the effect of the word ‘thousands’?
6. Explain the imagery of:
“You had such a vision of the street
As the street hardly understands”.
7. How do the lines: “...and eyes/ Assured of certain certainties”
suggest a narrow, limited thinking on the part of these people?
Can they be seen as both victims and yet perpetrators of the
industrialised, dehumanised streets?
8. How do the last lines of the poem: “Wipe your hand across your mouth and laugh,”
contrast with the ‘notion of some infinitely gentle/infinitely suffering thin”? What
point is Eliot making here?
9. How convincing are Eliot’s images of the city, especially in the first two Preludes? Do
you agree that he presents a “sharpness of image and clarity of line and piercing
simplicity” in these lines?