Prufrock’s Love Song

Michelle Carnegie April 8, 2006

ENG 200

The Unsung Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock

“And would it have been worth it, after all,

Would it have been worth while,

After the sunsets and the dooryards and the sprinkled streets,

After novels, after the teacups, after the skirts that trail along the floor-

And this, and so much more?-

It is impossible to say just what I mean!

But as if a magic lantern threw the nerves in patterns on a screen:

Would it have been worth while

If one, settling a pillow or throwing off a shawl,

And turning toward the window, should say:

“That is not it at all,

That is not what I meant, at all.”- T.S. Eliot

“The Love Song of Alfred J. Prufrock” is an enchanting image of poetry. Its refrains are haunting, however more often inviting. The harmonious pairing of content and form meshes and creates a literary gem. More of a treasure is the question that has never been asked. The question must be invaluable; Mr. Prufrock protects it with all his love.

The poem is long and carefully written. Each word is intentional and effective. Throughout the poem, Prufrock is descriptive and certain. In stanza 13, Mr. Prufrock insecurities are recorded. This is the first time Prufrock admits that he is afraid of being misunderstood. He believes he will be misunderstood because he is inarticulate. Inarticulate does not begin to describe the man Prufrock is. He makes historical and literal allusions. He is keen on detail. Claiming to be inarticulate is the biggest lie he has told. Prufrock is more afraid of the answer to his question than