The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock

Poetry | T. S. Eliot
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Comment on the inner conflict of Prufrock

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Comment on the inner conflict of Prufrock that makes him fail to propose the lady. [NU: 2016]

Or, What is the problem with Prufrock? [NU: 2018, 20] ★★★

T. S. Eliot (1888–1965) is a modernist poet. His first great poem, “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” was published in 1915. In this poem, Prufrock suffers from deep inner conflict. He wants to propose, but his fear and doubt stop him. He knows love demands courage, but he cannot dare. Thus, his inner struggle becomes the reason for his failure.

Fear of Judgment: Prufrock fears how people see his appearance. He thinks they laugh at his bald spot and thin arms. He hears in his mind, 

“They will say: how his hair is growing thin!” 

This fear blocks his proposal.

Lack of Confidence: Prufrock has no trust in his own worth. He doubts his charm and power to win love. He asks, 

“Do I dare disturb the universe?” 

His weak spirit keeps him silent before the lady.

In

decision and Delay: He always waits for the “right time.” He says, 

“There will be time, there will be time.” 

But time passes in “visions and revisions.” His delay destroys the chance to act in love.

Sense of Failure: Prufrock sees himself as second-rate. He says, 

“No! I am not Prince Hamlet.” 

He accepts the role of a minor, foolish man. This low self-image is his real problem.

In short, Prufrock fails in love because of inner conflict. Fear, doubt, and indecision make him weak. His problem is his own mind, not the lady. Thus, his failure reflects the crisis of modern man.

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