PLA#13: Eliot SA
The love song by Alfred Prufrock is a good example of a dramatic monologue. The persona addresses an aspect of his life in the poem as a young man in love. Another aspect of dramatic monologue witnessed in this poem is that the persona delivers a speech to an unseen audience. The poet, in this case, is the only visible character addressing a silent but identifiable listener. The poem differs from Robert Browning’s pieces as it manifests a perfect character analysis. The title of the poem is ironical; the poem itself does not describe romance as suggested by the title (Eliot). It does not reflect the reader’s expectation of romance as no young woman would prefer listening to such a poem sung to her at full moon by her partner.
The title of the piece suggests that the theme of the poem is expressing love. However, the tune of the poem fails to echo the listener’s anticipations. The title is significant in that it creates curiosity to the listener as she awaits a part in the poem that articulates romance (Eliot). Considerably, the title draws the attention of the listener and allows the persona to address their desires effectively.
The poem vividly describes the character of Prufrock. Through the piece, it is possible to note that Prufrock is a man in his middle years. He addresses his lover and sensitizes her of the impending old age that will see them reflect on their achievements and challenges endured in the end. Prufrock tells his lover that there will be time to recall a hundred indecisions, a hundred visions and revisions before making toast and tea. Through this, Prufrock seems to create awareness to his lover suggesting that they ought to account for every deed in their life. Prufrock speaks about his fears in the poem. He seems to fear old age and its impending predicaments. For instance, he fears that one day he will descend the stairs and his baldhead shall be the talk of the town (Eliot). He also fears to make revisions and resolutions that he might regret someday. He fears to witness his greatness flicker in his old age.
The poem has a combination of imagery but one strange image stands out. The poet talks about mermaids who in real life never existed. He says that he has heard them sing each to each and further states that he thinks they will sing to him. Here Prufrock in my view is talking about his looming death. He intensely describes them swimming against waves and the wind blowing water white and black. He describes them as sea-girls adorned in red and brown seaweed who wake them up as they lie on the sea chambers and they consequently drown (Eliot). The drowning, in this case, means death.
The poem is a reflection of modernism. Prufrock talks about his rich and modest necktie being asserted with a simple pin. He speaks about his lover’s arms having bracelets and her dress perfumed a characteristic considered modern. Another visible characteristic is the magic lantern that throws nerves in patterns on a screen. The persona also describes how he shall walk on the beach clad in white flannel trousers another perfect example of modern recreation (Eliot). The porcelain cups and marmalade also suggest modernism.
Work cited
Eliot, Thomas Stearns. “The love song of J. Alfred Prufrock.” Poetry 6.3 (1915): 130-135.