Prufrock Believes example essay topic

J. Alfred Prufrock is a self-pitying, fastidious, pessimistic, depressed, and uncertain man, whose personal thoughts are presented while attending a social event. These components of Prufrock's identity are portrayed through the skilful use of imagery, recurring motifs, as well as allusions in the form of a dramatic monologue before his thoughts are interrupted by others' voices in his surroundings, bringing him back to reality. Imagery contributes strongly to establishing Prufrock's identity. His depressed mood is reflected in his description of the city streets, using strongly pessimistic words, such as 'half deserted' instead of perhaps simply 'quiet'. An opposition to vigour and liveliness is indicated through 'muttering retreats' and the mentioning of 'one-night cheap hotels' and 'sawdust restaurants' project an image of poverty stricken section of town. Much imagery in the poem conveys Prufrock's lack of energy and difficulty of action.

For example, in the fourth stanza, Prufrock's description of the fog as a slow-moving, lazy cat creates an atmosphere of drowsiness. Another implication of difficulty of action is exhibited by Prufrock's comparison of himself and an insect, 'pinned wriggling on the wall' unable to move. These images suggested that Prufrock feels trapped by society. The poem is also abundant in ocean imagery.

Prufrock believes he 'should have been a pair of ragged claws, scuttling across the floors of silent seas' - a crab. The image of a crab gives a sense of solitude and tranquility, suggesting that Prufrock is a quiet person who does not tend to disturb his surroundings. Also, as crabs tend to move sideways as opposed to forwards, this implies that Prufrock prefers to avoid confrontations. This idea was also presented in the first stanza, where he avoided discussing 'an overwhelming question'. Another example of ocean imagery is the mentioning of mermaids near the end of the poem. Prufrock believes himself to be spiritually dead and therefore of no interest to the mermaids.

This shows his lack of self esteem as well as self-pity. Throughout the poem, Prufrock makes references to simple objects such as household appliances and food. Juxtaposition of these references and thoughts about daring to 'disturb the universe' and 'forcing the moment into its crisis's ugg ests that to Prufrock, only survival matters. This is supported by Prufrock's having 'measured out [his] life with coffee spoons', meaning that his life is a series of unimportant rituals, comparable to the trivial routines of life. This realistic idea is further emphasised by the repetition of the mantra-like sounding question 'and would it have been worth it, after all... ' which conveys Prufrock's uncertainty about his actions.

Prufrock believes that people are forever criticizing him. This is showing by his attention to detail when dressing. Much of what Prufrock thinks of HIMSELF is portrayed through allusions. Upon comparing himself to John the Baptist, Prufrock sees himself as being a sacrifice. Although, however, his head may be brought in on a platter, it is 'no great matter' as he believes himself to be unimportant. Prufrock greatness 'flickers', showing his weakness, and believes that death, the 'eternal Footman's hall come upon him with joy.

Prufrock also compares himself to Lazarus, describing himself as 'dead' and as nothing could be worse, tells all about his depressed state. Upon reference to Hamlet, Prufrock claims he is worthy for only 'an attendant lord' and could never be a central character of importance, like Price Hamlet. To and extreme, he believes himself to be the 'Fool', a wise jester who is not paid enough attention. These allusions all emphasise Prufrock's self-pitying nature. T.S. Eliot explores J. Alfred Prufrock's identity through careful integration of imagery, recurring motifs, and allusions during Prufrock's period of thought before 'human voices wake us. '.