Journal 17

Journal 17 - “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” – T.S. Eliot (p.775)

1. What is the significance of the poem’s epigraph?  How does it relate to Prufrock?

The epigraph is about a person who is self conscious when it comes to talking about himself. He talks about himself only because he thinks that nobody will read or hear what he is saying.

2. Make a list of questions that Prufrock asks.  Do you see a pattern/theme to these questions or are they random?  

Shall I?

Do I dare?

How should I begin?

How should I presume?

All of his questions have to do with decisions he should make in his life. He is not sure which things are good for him to do and which are bad. He waffles back and forth and is never set on making one choice, he has to debate all of the options.

3. What do you think is Prufrock’s main flaw/problem?

He main flaw or problem is that he has anxiety and cannot make up his mind. He needs to have more confidence in his actions and choices.

4. Why do you think this is called a love song?  In what way is it a love song? .

It is called a love song because it is ironic. It is not actually a love song, it s more about pity for not having love. It is ironic because he is alone. He has nobody to love. It is about living a loveless life, not a love song full of happy feelings.