Alienation In Prufrock And Preludes

Modern metropolis through Eliot’s poems is depicted as a portrait of uncertainty amidst the turmoil of modern life. Set in the squalor of modern metropolis, literature of modernism explores of alienation and decay in society within Prufrock and Preludes. This breakdown of social values allows responder to reflect upon the similarities in society at the start of the 20th century and the 21st century where the daily existence is synonymous with ‘living death’(Ellis:24). Eliot poem set in the Modernist period is often characterised by the shell-shocked horrors of the Great War, the breakdown of traditional ways and religion in the context of industrial mechanisation is presented in these poems. Thus through the use of literary devices, Eliot is …show more content…
Within Prufrock, bathos in ‘the eternal footman hold my coat and snicker’ elucidates the representation of god mocking the modern man’s existence and their purposelessness as the apprehension of the current eternal life brings fear to death. Through Prufrock’s characterization, his inability to communicate what he intends to do ‘time for you and time for me’ outlines his level of incapability to attempt and manage time. Eliot further emphasis the triviality of modern life emphasized through concrete images in ‘ the marmalade, the tea.. the porcelain highlights the futility of humanity. Responder reflects on these fragmentations that Eliot uses to demonstrate the chaotic state of modern existence through its Eliot’s context. In Eliot’s view, humanity’s psyche had been shattered by World War I and by the collapse of the British Empire constitutes the hopelessness of existence. Similarly within Preludes, the structure of Preludes consisting of a twenty four hour day allows Eliot to captures the cyclic monotony through ‘six o’clock’ in the first stanza and the last. The time trope within the poem indicates the structured routine of the modern metropolis. Rootlessness of modern life is presented through the squalor city scenes where Eliot vividly throw light upon the decadence of societal values and the loss of humanity. Fragmentation in “With all its muddy feet that press to early coffee stands” highlights the routine lifestyle and the structure and robotic way to ‘press’ into the morning. Furthered by the enjambment demonstrating this endless lifestyle and the continuation of its purposeless the next day depicts the decay in societal values. Ultimately, the examination of alienation through societal pressure are evident within Prufrock and Preludes allowing responder a deeper appreciation for