What Is Your Question, Prufrock? As one begins to read T. S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” one gets the sense that Prufrock is having a dramatic monologue with someone else, which is based on the beginning sentence “Let us go then, you and I” (1). There are three characteristics of a dramatic monologue, one of which is the specific individual expressing thoughts at a specific point in time. Secondly, the monologue is directed to a listener who may not be specifically addressed. And, the third characteristic the character of the individual is revealed. The poem (or song) begins with Prufrock inviting the reader to go on a trip, and even though it is not clear to whom Prufrock is “singing”, the title indicates that he is singing
…show more content…
In lines 96-98, the sentence goes, “Would it have been worth it, after all, if one, settling a pillow by her head, should say: ‘That is not what I meant at all. That is not it, at all’” (3). The fear of rejection was too great, and Prufrock clearly believed that it was not worth it so the question was again not asked. As the song comes to an end, Prufrock is growing older and does not seem to worry about the important question, but wonders about important things such as whether he should “wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled” (4). “Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach? I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach. I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each” (4). Prufrok likes the ocean and has heard the mermaids singing, but feels they will not sing to him. In conclusion, Prufrok feels that “we have lingered in the chambers of the sea by sea-girls wreathed with seaweed red and brown till human voices wake us, and we drown” (4). Does the ending signify that Prufrock is dreaming or is dead? There is really no true ending. Some may feel that Prufrock has become insane or is truly dreaming, and with everything that Prufrock has endured, I feel that his question was never asked, and things really did not turn out well for
In lines 96-98, the sentence goes, “Would it have been worth it, after all, if one, settling a pillow by her head, should say: ‘That is not what I meant at all. That is not it, at all’” (3). The fear of rejection was too great, and Prufrock clearly believed that it was not worth it so the question was again not asked. As the song comes to an end, Prufrock is growing older and does not seem to worry about the important question, but wonders about important things such as whether he should “wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled” (4). “Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach? I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach. I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each” (4). Prufrok likes the ocean and has heard the mermaids singing, but feels they will not sing to him. In conclusion, Prufrok feels that “we have lingered in the chambers of the sea by sea-girls wreathed with seaweed red and brown till human voices wake us, and we drown” (4). Does the ending signify that Prufrock is dreaming or is dead? There is really no true ending. Some may feel that Prufrock has become insane or is truly dreaming, and with everything that Prufrock has endured, I feel that his question was never asked, and things really did not turn out well for