1. What is the significance of the poem’s epigraph? How does it relate to Prufrock?
The epigraph at the beginning of the poem is significant because the epigraph is from Inferno. The man had no shame in telling his story, because no one who could hear would publicize it. The epigraph is a stream of consciousness, much like the poem itself. Prufrock is thinking these things, not saying them out loud. They are both going to tell their stories, because they know no one else will ever know. Neither of them would share their stories for fear of shame and disgrace. These are all private thoughts and confessions.
2. Make a list of questions that Prufrock asks. Do you see a pattern/theme to these questions or are they random?
“What is it?” “Do I dare?” Do I dare Disturb the universe? So how should I presume? To spit out all the butt-ends of my days and ways? Is it perfume from a dress that makes me so digress? And should I then presume? And how should I begin? Of lonely men in shirt-sleeves, leaning out of windows? Should I, after tea and cakes and ices, have the strength to force the moment to its crisis? Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach?
These question, though seemingly random, are actually related. Prufrock asks these questions of himself so that he can be perfect in public, so that he can do the right thing at the right time. Perfection is something that Prufrock strives to reach, but can never attain. He is uncertain of everything and, therefore, cannot decide on what to do.
3. What do you think is Prufrock’s main flaw/problem?
He is always worried about time and questions everything. Prufrock thinks that he has no time left, because he is getting older, and gets anxiety because of it. Prufrock is constantly questioning things, and finds it very difficult when he does not know the answers.
4. Why do you think this is called a love song? In what way is it a love song?
This work being called a love song is ironic, because this man is aging and alone. He does not have anyone to love and does not fit in well with others. Prufrock does not even love himself, constantly second guessing himself and questioning his own actions. It is a fragmentary piece, drifting from one part to another unrelated part.
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