The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock

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How does T. S. Eliot build up an atmosphere of futility and barrenness in “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock?”

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How does T. S. Eliot build up an atmosphere of futility and barrenness in “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock?” [NU: 2016]

The phrase “an atmosphere of futility and barrenness” refers to a condition where life seems empty and hopeless. One of the greatest modern poets, T. S. Eliot (1888–1965), in his famous poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” (1915) shows this scenery through the protagonist Prufrock. In this dramatic monologue, Prufrock, the speaker, reveals his lonely and weak mind. Through lifeless images, dull settings, and endless hesitation, Eliot creates an atmosphere of futility and barrenness.

Half-Deserted Streets: At the start, Eliot shows us a dull city. Prufrock speaks of “half-deserted streets” and “one-night cheap hotels.” These places are not lively or full of joy. They are empty, restless, and without meaning. Even the restaurants have only “sawdust” and “oyster-shells.” The streets are like a “tedious argument” that goes nowhere. This shows uselessness and boredom. The city is without spirit, and it reflects the emptiness of Prufrock’s own mind.

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p>Yellow Fog: The image of the yellow fog creates a sense of barrenness. 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 poem shows an atmosphere of futility and barrenness through 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 makes his life empty and barren.

Life Measured n Coffee Spoons: Prufrock’s own words show futility. He says, 

“I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.” 

This is a clear picture of emptiness. A human life should be measured by love, action, or achievement. But his life is measured by a small daily habit. He admits he has “known the evenings, mornings, afternoons,” but all are meaningless. The voices he hears are only “dying with a dying fall.” These words create an image of a wasted and barren life.

Fear of Aging and Death: Prufrock also fears age and death. He sees his “bald spot” and “thin arms and legs.” He knows people will laugh at him. He says, “I am no prophet,” and admits his weakness. He has seen “the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker.” The Footman stands for death, and it mocks him. Even dreams cannot help him. He hears “mermaids singing, each to each,” but he adds, 

“I do not think that they will sing to me.” 

This hopeless image shows his final despair.

In conclusion, Eliot builds an atmosphere of futility and barrenness by showing the dull streets, the lazy fog, wasted time, trivial habits, and fear of death. Prufrock never acts and never finds love or meaning. His world is lifeless, empty, and hopeless. In this way, the poem becomes an accurate picture of modern emptiness.

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