The Love Song Of J. Alfred Prufrock
(Eliot, T. S)
This is a classic poem that changed the general flow of English poetry all over the world. Written by one of the best exponents of natural, free verse style of poetry, T.S. Eliot, it reinforces the belief that content is all important in good poetry as compared to superficial flowery language.
The poem relates the poignant story of the modern man, his anxieties and shortcomings to deal with the chaotic world around him. J Alfred Prufrock is a personification of urban
disillusionment and estrangement from life giving forces of nature and family. He is anything but heroic both in physical appearance or personality. He could be anybody eeking out a mundane existence on the fringes of an urban jungle anywhere in the world. He sets out to meet his girlfriend in a seedy hotel with the intention of professing his love. The setting of the hotel is both repulsive and irritating.
The startling revelation of the poem happens in the form of his total impotency in being able to do what he intended. It is more to do with his dazed, restive mind than any physical disability. One senses the half-hearted manner in which most people live their lives. There is no joie de vivre to speak of or write home about. He is a victim of the mechanical times where nothing makes sense. The poet effectively conveys the stressful anguish and restlessness of modern times through this brilliant piece of work. The free verse is liberating from the constraints of the romantic poets and the Victorians. Even those who detest poetry would find something tugging at their hearts when they read this one. And yes, it is anything but a love song. So do not send it to your sweethearts unless ofcourse you plan to call it off!
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