‫‪The Love Song of J.

Alfred‬‬
‫‪Prufrock‬‬
‫‪By T. S. Eliot‬‬
‫مادة الشعر ‪ /‬المرحلة الرابعة‬
‫كلية المأمون الجامعة ‪ /‬قسم اللغة االنكليزية‬
‫م‪ .‬حنين صباح عبد‬
"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" is
a poem written by T.S. Eliot in 1910 and
published in 1915. It is considered one
of the most important works of
modernism, which is a literary
movement at the turn of the 20th century
that emphasized themes of alienation,
isolation, and the diminishing power of
authority. The poem is a dramatic
monologue, in which the speaker
narrates the anxieties and
preoccupations of his inner life.
So, who is J. Alfred
Prufrock?
J. Alfred Prufrock: J. Alfred Prufrock is a lonely, middle-
aged man who moves through a modern, urban
environment in a state of confusion and isolation.
Prufrock’ character is distinct. Yet his personality is
vague enough to embody universal concerns. Prufrock’s
preoccupations with his balding head and his banter
over afternoon tea provide the outlines of an identity.
However, his experiences of overwhelming confusion
and spiritual disconnection are familiar to many modern
people. Attempting to find a place for himself in the
cosmos, Prufrock asks, “Do I dare / Disturb the
universe?”
Short Summary of the Poem:
The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock – as an Anti-love Poem: Although the title
of the poem suggests that it is enchanting about the memories of love, the
situation is quite contrary. The poem captures the unexpressed love and
fragmented thoughts of the narrator. The narrator of the poem is a middle-aged
man, who is in love with a lady but lacks the courage to express his feelings for
her. The expressions of confusion and lack of courage remain at the core of the
poem. Through his regret of aging and frustration of unfulfilled desires, the
narrator also expresses that the time does not wait for anyone.
Major Themes in the Poem:
The poem comprises thoughts of a middle-aged man whose life is beset in
confusion and does not allow him to act according to his will. His subconscious
mind asks questions that have deep philosophical meanings and is also afraid of
rejection. He considers himself unworthy of women, as he continues to worry
about the reaction of the people. The poem reflects modern delusional thoughts
through Prufrock on how the ancient society forced people to live meaningless
lives and allow others’ opinion to dominate their thoughts. This fear of being
judged leaves a person broken, and as he/she becomes old, they regret their
decision and become depressive as seen in the poem.
The concept of love according to Prufrock:
Prufrock’s concept of love is physical. He looks at love as something physical,
casual, and passing. The first object that draws his attention in the party is the
women. This indicates that his concept of love is physical.

Prufrock also focuses on women in the party by describing them in details. He

describes their voices, fingers, arms, eyes, and their perfumes. He looks at
women from a sensual and physical perspective.

The most important evidence of Prufrock’s physical concept of love is the allusion
to Andrew Marvell, the Cavalier poet who was interested in physical love. Prufrock
shares the same attitude. The reference to the sea girls at the end also indicates
his physical concept of love.
How is the society of the upper class presented in
the poem?
T. S. Eliot criticizes the society’s way of living. It is mechanical and
unchangeable. The rich people are interested in giving parties and in the
physical world. They speak about art to give an impression that they are
scholars. They drink tea and eat cake in the afternoon, they think of material
things, and they use their time playing card. Their life is monotonous, tedious
and empty.
What are Prufrock’s excuses for not taking a
decision?

Prufrock gives himself reasons for not taking a decision in order to cover up
his weakness. He is personally and psychologically weak. He keeps saying
“there will be time” because he is looking for excuses to cover up his
weakness and his inability to express his feelings. He suggests that they party
is still at the beginning and that there will be time later to express his feelings
to a woman. Later, Prufrock finds another justification for his weakness which
is the fact that he is growing old.
The End...