1. What is the significance of the poem’s epigraph? How does it relate to Prufrock?
The poem’s epigraph is spoken by Count Guido da Montefeltro. The epigraph begins with “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” to lead the reader into believing that this paragraph will be romantic when in fact, it is about hardships and problems when dealing with life. In other words, it was Dante’s way of suggesting that Prufrock was suffering through hell. However, Prufrock’s perception of hell was a modern world where he does not belong. Count Guido believes that the mistakes he has made will haunt him and his friends throughout his life, just like Prufrock believes that his mistakes will never leave him alone. The only difference is that Prufrock’s story was an inner monologue confessing how he feels instead of telling others his emotions.
2. Make a list of questions that Prufrock asks. Do you see a pattern/theme to these questions or are they random?
“To lead you to an overwhelming question…Oh, do not ask, ‘What is it?’” (10-11)
“To wonder, ‘So I dare?’ and, ‘Do I dare?’” (38)
“Do I dare disturb the universe?” (45-46)
“Is it perfume from a dress that makes me so digress?” (65-66)
“And should I then presume?” (68)
“And how should I begin?” (69)
“Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach?” (122)
Prufrock is arguing with himself on whether or not he should perform an act. He is fearful of expressing himself with others because he is insecure about his feelings. Therefore, he becomes frustrated with being unable to take action to make himself more confident. As Prufrock begins to think of each question, he starts to realize that he has let many opportunities slip pass him. By the end of the story, he wants to make up for all of his regrets by gaining the courage to go out and do what he wants to do.
“To wonder, ‘So I dare?’ and, ‘Do I dare?’” (38)
“Do I dare disturb the universe?” (45-46)
“Is it perfume from a dress that makes me so digress?” (65-66)
“And should I then presume?” (68)
“And how should I begin?” (69)
“Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach?” (122)
Prufrock is arguing with himself on whether or not he should perform an act. He is fearful of expressing himself with others because he is insecure about his feelings. Therefore, he becomes frustrated with being unable to take action to make himself more confident. As Prufrock begins to think of each question, he starts to realize that he has let many opportunities slip pass him. By the end of the story, he wants to make up for all of his regrets by gaining the courage to go out and do what he wants to do.
3. What do you think is Prufrock’s main flaw/problem?
Prufrock’s main problem is that he is unable to express his feelings and emotions with his friends because of his lack of confidence in himself. Due to indecisive decisions, he has lived his life at the lowest standard. In other words, Prufrock’s life is boring, lonely, and hopeless. He has wished to have contact with certain women but because of his lack of self-esteem and fear of rejection, he has decided to live alone. Prufrock will continue to isolate himself until he gains the confidence to make his own decision.
4. Why do you think this is called a love song? In what way is it a love song?
The poem was titled “Love Song” because it shows the irony in Prufrock’s life. The whole story was about Prufrock’s inability to contact women because of his fears. Instead, he continues to separate himself from others but admire them from afar. The poem was Prufrock’s idea of how to fall in love with a woman if he could talk to her.
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