Discuss how ‘The Love Songs of J. Alfred Prufrock’ Represents the Conflict of a Modern Man.
Or, How does Prufrock represent the modern man in "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock?"
T. S. Eliot (1888–1965) is one of the leading modern poets. His famous poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” was published in 1915. It is a dramatic monologue where the speaker, Prufrock, expresses his inner fears and struggles. He feels lonely, weak, and unsure of himself. He cannot act boldly or express his desires. His fears of age, death, and useless time show the modern man’s conflict. Eliot uses real images and thoughts to describe this inner battle.
Lonely Streets: The poem begins with an image of lifeless streets. Eliot writes,
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“Let us go, through certain half-deserted streets,”
These places are not full of joy or life. They show sadness and emptiness. The restaurants are described with “sawdust” and “oyster-shells.” The streets move “like a tedious argument,” giving no solution. This urban setting reflects isolation. It mirrors the modern man’s lonely mind. Prufrock feels separate from society. He walks through streets that seem barren. His loneliness becomes part of his conflict.
Fog and Weakness: Another image of conflict is the yellow fog. Eliot shows the fog brushing its back against the window glass. The smoke moves weakly, like a tired cat. Instead of giving energy, it spreads dullness and waste. The air feels heavy, dirty, and lifeless. This lifeless fog covers the city and reflects Prufrock’s own tired spirit. The picture of the fog becomes a symbol of futility and decay. The following lines support this point perfectly.
“The yellow fog that rubs its back upon the window-panes,
The yellow smoke that rubs its muzzle on the window-panes,”
Time and Indecision: The modern conflict is also seen in wasted time. Prufrock repeats,
“There will be time, there will be time.”
He believes there is always more time to act. Yet he never acts. He only feels “a hundred indecisions, / And for a hundred visions and revisions.” He keeps asking, “Do I dare?” but he never dares. His life passes in delay and doubt. This waste of time displays his inner conflict.
Fear of Judgment: Prufrock is deeply afraid of people’s judgment. He worries about his “bald spot” and “thin arms and legs.” He says people will notice and mock him. He feels like an insect “pinned and wriggling on the wall.” This image shows his insecurity. He is afraid to speak his true thoughts. His fear of criticism keeps him silent. He hides his feelings and fails to connect. The modern man’s conflict is shown here.
Dreams and Despair: Prufrock’s conflict is also clear in his dreams. He imagines “mermaids singing, each to each.” But he says,
“I do not think that they will sing to me.”
Even in dreams, he finds rejection. He admits, “I am no prophet,” and fears death. He sees “the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker.” This Footman is death mocking him. His dreams of beauty end in despair. The modern man’s hopes collapse into hopelessness. His conflict is between the desire for life and the fear of failure.
In conclusion, Eliot shows the conflict of a modern man through Prufrock’s mind and feelings. The lonely streets, the lifeless fog, the wasted time, the fear of judgment, and the despair in dreams all reveal his struggle. Prufrock wants love and meaning, but he cannot act. This inner battle reflects the conflict of modern life.
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