Prufrock

Question 1

What A02 from prufrock mimicks the image of Hell

Answer 1

The Epigraph of Prufrock is an extract from Dante’s Inferno. It is a metaphor reflecting the harshness and struggle of human existence - this can be explored through themes of Isolation/ Alienation, Lonliness, Depression, Loss

Question 2

What Class was Eliot? Important to consider when discussing this poem.

Answer 2

Eliot was a middle class man, meaning any ideas surrounding the anxiety or isolation about class should be overlooked.

Question 3

How is the theme of Fragmentation shown in Prufrock? And how is this modernistic approach to significant in Eliot’s poetry?

Answer 3

• The poem utilises Free verse, a modernistic approach to poetry as it breaks down traditional forms.
• Eliot intentionally uses modernistic methods when writing poetry to allude to modernistic problems. These include: Alienation, Anxiety, and male expectations of stoicism of which he sheds light on how vulnerable males who stray from expectations of stoicism and masculinity can be isolated and feel inferior. “How his arms and legs are thin!”

Question 4

How is the theme of Anxiety displayed in the poem?

Answer 4

Eliot posesses a paralysing fear of rejection, “Do I dare?”, where he feels that he cannot act on the feelings he has for women. This is further emphasised by the imagery of him being “etherised” on a table.

Question 5

What use of intertextuality is used in the Poem? And what is its purpose?(Primarily Prince Hamlet)( What theme/ question would you bring him in to analyse)

Answer 5

Eliot talks about both Michelangelo and Prince Hamlet.
-Unlike Prince Hamlet who in Shakespeare’s productions was known for being uncertain, Eliot contrasts Prufrock, “no I am not Prince Hamlet”, displaying how Prufrock feels certain of his inferiority in society. This is emphasised by his acceptance that he is an “attendant” in society, a secondary character who lacks significance. Unlike Hamlet who shines bright, Prufrock doesn’t feel the need to stand out, “glad” to be “an easy tool”. He feels the need to fun from the spotlight and cower under the “silent seas”… “scuttling” (Crab layers protect himself)

Question 6

How would you analyse the quotation “And I have seen the eternal footman hold my coad, and snicker”

Answer 6

The Eternal Footman is a metaphorical figure of death
- Through the Eternal Footman holding his “coat” it is clear that he is preparing him for death, as though the life he is currently living holds no value or purpose, enhancing the reuccuring image of Prufrock’s insignificance in life.

• Furthermore the image of the Footman “Snicker[ing]” adds a sense of mockery or distain, suggesting that Prufrock fears his life so insignificant, even Death finds it laughable

Question 7

What is the purpose of all of the sea imagery in the poem. “Scuttling”, “Silent seas”

Answer 7

“silent seas” is sibilence which could be seen as Prufrock hushing himself as he drifts towards a solitary and lonley death, surrounded and comforted by no one. This idea heightens his isolation/ alienation in society.

“Scuttling” is a metaphor for a crab, implying how like a crab Prufrock desires to protect himself behind the many layers of a crab shell, hiding away from the brutal society