In class on Tuesday: I am passing back your graded "Prufrock" analysis worksheet. You will use yours, along with the thematic organizer and the poem, to write your essay. This is due on Thursday, June 11 at the end of the day. You will need to turn in the essay and thematic organizer on Thursday. The organizer will count as a class participation grade (30%), whilst the essay will, of course, be a writing grade (40%) These are the last grades of this marking period.
“The Love Song of J. Alfred
Prufrock” by T. S. Eliot essay Due Thursday, June 11 at then end of class.
At that time, turn in your thematic graphic organizer.
General information review that you
might want to incorporate into the essay. Please read.
1. implied, rather than
overtly stated themes.
2. fragments (think of
a puzzle with pieces missing; consider the world after World War I).
3. omitting of
expositions (background information about events, settings, characters that
help the reader make sense of the novel, short story or, in this case, the
poem).
4. omitting transitions
(think of a dream, where anything and everything may be juxtaposed without any
seeming logic.)
5. omitting a
resolution (so how does the story play out? who knows? You figure it out for
yourself.
6. lack of explanations
( why did this happen? Again, you figure it out; draw your own conclusions.)
7. sense of
uncertainty, paralysis and ANGST.
ex·is·ten·tial·ism: a
chiefly 20th century philosophical movement embracing diverse doctrines but
centering on analysis of individual existence in an unfathomable universe and
the plight of the individual who must assume ultimate responsibility for acts
of free will without any certain knowledge of what is right or wrong or good or
bad
Existentialism is a
philosophy that emphasizes the isolation of the individual experience in a
hostile or indifferent world in regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses
freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one's acts.
Literary elements: character, point of view, setting, tone, theme,
plot or conflict (crisis, climax and resolution)
Literary terms / figurative language devices: stream of
consciousness, irony, foreshadowing, personification, metonymy and synecdoche (what the heck are those? The difference,
to the extent that it exists at all, is whether the attribute that is
substituting for the whole is part of the whole (synecdoche), or merely
associated with it (metonymy), hyperbole, simile, metaphor, allusion,
onomatopoeia, imagery, symbolism
Now look on the back
for specifics for your essay.
Essay mechanics
MLA heading
Typed (of course)
Minimum of 500 words
Minimum of 5 paragraphs, including an introduction with a clear thesis
statement.
Your body paragraphs must include
a thesis statement (that’s the particular supporting point that you introduced
in your introduction), supporting textual evidence chosen from the poem. This
need not be whole lines, but a cherry picking of relevant words and phrases
throughout the poem. You then MUST have an analysis statement; that is
you should ask yourself why or how what you said is significant.
Essay topic: Choose one of the following
themes from T. S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufock” and show how the
poet develops the idea through the character of Prufrock as an example of
modernist literature. (theme choices: loneliness, indecision, inadequacy,
pessimism)
Organizational
strategy.
Introduction: Write a hook
sentence o that establishes the poem within the time frame in which it was
written.
Write a brief
description of setting, character of Prufrock and the plot. (one or two
well-written sentences
will do)
Rephrase the essay topic
for your thesis statement, include three points that you will argue within the
body of the essay that will support your thesis statement.
Paragraph one: you are focusing on only one aspect of the one theme. Organize your points chronologically. How is the theme initially established in the
poem? How does it manifest itself in Prufrock? How does he process this? (think
about figurative language devices!) Now
prove. What does this signify in terms of the character and his actions or
non-actions?
Paragraph two: Continue with your theme, but approach it at another
angle. How is the Prufrock manipulated, dominated or controlled by the
theme? Prove it now. What does this say about his world? His life
experiences? You must find supporting text
for whatever you say. Make sure you conclude with stating why or how this is
significant to the character of Prufrock.
Paragraph three: As you are exploring this in chronological order,
at this point focus on after Prufrock has, not only realized that he will never
make the marriage proposal, but rethought different scenarios if he had. At
this point there are several allusions. How do these connect to the theme? What
does this say about Prufrock as a man? Proof, proof proof! How is this important in seeing this
character as representative of modernism. (check notes above)
Conclusion: (DO NOT SAY IN CONCLUSION) (DO NOT REPEAT THE
INTRODUCTION) (Do not repeat the whole title!) Why are the modernist qualities of “The Love
Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” (mention 2 or 3) significant in terms of the social
transitions that occurred post World War I? What are the factors that still
resonate in society 100 years later?
Prufrock Analysis Worksheet--- correct responses.
lines 1-13
1. Who is the speaker of the poem and to whom is the poem addressed/
The speaker of the poem is the eponymous J. Alfred Prufrock, who is speaking to himself. His mind wanders. The technique is stream of consciousness.
lines 1-15
2. Where is the speaker? Describe the time of day, place, etc, What parts of the poem support your answer?
The speaker is at his residence, which is located in an area of "cheap hotels / And sawdust restaurants with oyster shells" (6-7).
lines 14-15
3. Identify the two similes in the opening stanza. What do these similes suggest about what is being compared to something else?
The two similes in lines 1-15 are as follows; "Like a patient etherized upon a table" and "Streets that follow like a tedious argument." Both of these similes have negative connotations. To be etherized is to be anesthetized, unaware of one's environment, as the individual is as if dead, hence unaware of the world. To compare the streets to a "tedious argument" invokes ideas of boredom and irritation.
lines 14-15
4. What room is the speaker describing?
A room where "women come and go / Talking of Michelanglo" would be one where the women have leisure time to talk about art. This implies they are educated and belong to a similar social circle.
lines 15-23
5. Identify the primary metaphor in this stanza. In other words, what does the poet indirectly liken the yellow fog? Note the specific elements / words from the poem to support your answer.
The primary metaphor is equating the "yellow fog" with a cat "that rubs its muzzle.../Licked its tongue"..."Slipped by the terrace, made a sudden leap / [and] Curled once about the house, and fell asleep" (15-22).
lines 22-23
6.What is the primary argument of this stanza? Sum up the argument in one sentence.
The primary argument is that there is always time for all the things one wants or wishes for in life.
lines 32-33
7. What does the speaker mean in lines 32-33? What does this argument have to do with what is "happening" in the poem?
He is thinking about his relationship with a woman and is incapable of making a commitment, hence the "in decisions" and "revisions."
lines 37-48
8. What is the speaker's emotional state at this point in the poem? What are his primary concerns?
Prufrock is plagued with anxiety; he believes any action on his part with reverberate throughout the universe. His primary concern is with how people with perceive his appearance, that he is growing old with a 'bald spot."
lines 46-48
9. Why do you think the speaker is stalling when it comes to socializing? is this a speaker with whom you'd like to sit down and chat? Why or why not?
Prufrock is stalling and deluding himself that there is time, because he does not want to act. He would be a frustrating person with whom to speak, as his opinions would have little value, as they change so often.
line 51
10. What does the speaker mean in line 51?
To measure out one's life with coffee spoons indicates that his life is shallow and small, devoid of deep, satisfying experiences.
lines 49-69
11. Identify the poem's use of REPETITION. What effect does repetition have on the poem's meaning?
Some of the repeated phrases and words include: "time", the idea of which is an obsession with Prufrock, "I have", which serves to emphasize and even anchor his thoughts- one of the only times where he demonstrates stability, "how should I presume", which shows his insecurity and isolation from others and "do I dare", which works to both define how he perceives his actions in relation to both individuals and the world in general. The repetitions help to define the various facets of Prufock's character.
lines 49-69
12. What is the speaker's tone at this point in the poem?
Prufrock's tone is one of pessimism and inadequacy. He takes an empirical, scientific approach to both others, whom he views as having "arms that are bracelet ed and white and bare" and himself, who he sees as "formulated, sprawling on a pin." He dehumanizes and distorts his relationships, seeing them in the context of "butt-end[ ] days.
lines 62-66
13. Whom is the speaker describing?
Prufrock is describing the woman he wishes to propose to.
line 66
14. Re-read line 66. What stands out about the act of digressing?
The technique of stream of consciousness is used throughout the poem, ironically here Prufock acknowledges the act when he refers to the perfume, but in reality, he has done nothing but digress.
lines 75-86
15. Do you think the speaker himself is digressing? Identify parts of the poem to support your answer.
Prufrock jumps from one topic to another without logical transitions. For example, he thinks about the woman to whom he will propose and how he will accomplish this; at the same time he anticipates rejection, an alternative proposal and rejection and then contemplates his useless within the world.
lines 75-86
16.What is the primary argument of this stanza?
Prufrock reflects that he is ineffective at life, that life has passed him by, despite his having "fasted, wept and prayed." He fears death, as noted with his "head [grown slightly bald] and his having "seen the eternal Footman...snicker."
line 85
17. Who /What is the eternal footman?
Death
Lines 86-98
18. How does this setting relate to the setting of the poem's opening stanza?
Prufrock refers to Lazarus, who was raised from the dead, whilst the epigraph takes place in the 8th circle of Hell. Prufrock sees himself like a "patient etherised", somnolent, a walking dead.
Lines 90-98
19. Describe the speaker's relationship to speaking itself? Is he effective at expressing himself and / or telling a story? Why or why not?
Prufrock is almost inarticulate and states, "It is impossible to say just what I mean." This is further supported in the manner he disassociates his actions, imagining a scenario where he is rejected and his intended's response is projected by a "magic lantern."
line 104
20. What is your analysis of line 104?
"So much more" resonates with emptiness and longing.
Lines 111-119
21. What is the primary argument of this stanza?
Prufrock recognizes that he is
not a leader, but a supporting player in life.
line 117
22. Define "obtuse"
Obtuse means to be thick headed, not "getting it."- connects to the fog
Lines 120-125
23. Has the speaker finally admitted his primary concern? What effect does "growing old" have on the speaker's socializing?
Prufrock's concern with growing old reflects his fear of death. He is under the delusion that he can hold back time, if he "wear[s] the bottom of [his] trousers rolled" or parts his "hair behind." In his mind, these actions will allow him to keep socializing.
line 125
24. Re-read line 125. Why does the speaker think this?
That the mermaids will not sing to Prufrock speaks to his loneliness and recognition that he is not a participant in life, but mere an observer on the sideline.
Lines 129-131
25. What is the speaker's final tone?
The final lines evoke a deep sadness, for Prufrock believes that connecting with people, awakening to a life force, means death. This is an irreconcilable paradox that is the foundation of his existential angst.
lines 32-33
7. What does the speaker mean in lines 32-33? What does this argument have to do with what is "happening" in the poem?
He is thinking about his relationship with a woman and is incapable of making a commitment, hence the "in decisions" and "revisions."
lines 37-48
8. What is the speaker's emotional state at this point in the poem? What are his primary concerns?
Prufrock is plagued with anxiety; he believes any action on his part with reverberate throughout the universe. His primary concern is with how people with perceive his appearance, that he is growing old with a 'bald spot."
lines 46-48
9. Why do you think the speaker is stalling when it comes to socializing? is this a speaker with whom you'd like to sit down and chat? Why or why not?
Prufrock is stalling and deluding himself that there is time, because he does not want to act. He would be a frustrating person with whom to speak, as his opinions would have little value, as they change so often.
line 51
10. What does the speaker mean in line 51?
To measure out one's life with coffee spoons indicates that his life is shallow and small, devoid of deep, satisfying experiences.
lines 49-69
11. Identify the poem's use of REPETITION. What effect does repetition have on the poem's meaning?
Some of the repeated phrases and words include: "time", the idea of which is an obsession with Prufrock, "I have", which serves to emphasize and even anchor his thoughts- one of the only times where he demonstrates stability, "how should I presume", which shows his insecurity and isolation from others and "do I dare", which works to both define how he perceives his actions in relation to both individuals and the world in general. The repetitions help to define the various facets of Prufock's character.
lines 49-69
12. What is the speaker's tone at this point in the poem?
Prufrock's tone is one of pessimism and inadequacy. He takes an empirical, scientific approach to both others, whom he views as having "arms that are bracelet ed and white and bare" and himself, who he sees as "formulated, sprawling on a pin." He dehumanizes and distorts his relationships, seeing them in the context of "butt-end[ ] days.
lines 62-66
13. Whom is the speaker describing?
Prufrock is describing the woman he wishes to propose to.
line 66
14. Re-read line 66. What stands out about the act of digressing?
The technique of stream of consciousness is used throughout the poem, ironically here Prufock acknowledges the act when he refers to the perfume, but in reality, he has done nothing but digress.
lines 75-86
15. Do you think the speaker himself is digressing? Identify parts of the poem to support your answer.
Prufrock jumps from one topic to another without logical transitions. For example, he thinks about the woman to whom he will propose and how he will accomplish this; at the same time he anticipates rejection, an alternative proposal and rejection and then contemplates his useless within the world.
lines 75-86
16.What is the primary argument of this stanza?
Prufrock reflects that he is ineffective at life, that life has passed him by, despite his having "fasted, wept and prayed." He fears death, as noted with his "head [grown slightly bald] and his having "seen the eternal Footman...snicker."
line 85
17. Who /What is the eternal footman?
Death
Lines 86-98
18. How does this setting relate to the setting of the poem's opening stanza?
Prufrock refers to Lazarus, who was raised from the dead, whilst the epigraph takes place in the 8th circle of Hell. Prufrock sees himself like a "patient etherised", somnolent, a walking dead.
Lines 90-98
19. Describe the speaker's relationship to speaking itself? Is he effective at expressing himself and / or telling a story? Why or why not?
Prufrock is almost inarticulate and states, "It is impossible to say just what I mean." This is further supported in the manner he disassociates his actions, imagining a scenario where he is rejected and his intended's response is projected by a "magic lantern."
line 104
20. What is your analysis of line 104?
"So much more" resonates with emptiness and longing.
Lines 111-119
21. What is the primary argument of this stanza?
Prufrock recognizes that he is
not a leader, but a supporting player in life.
line 117
22. Define "obtuse"
Obtuse means to be thick headed, not "getting it."- connects to the fog
Lines 120-125
23. Has the speaker finally admitted his primary concern? What effect does "growing old" have on the speaker's socializing?
Prufrock's concern with growing old reflects his fear of death. He is under the delusion that he can hold back time, if he "wear[s] the bottom of [his] trousers rolled" or parts his "hair behind." In his mind, these actions will allow him to keep socializing.
line 125
24. Re-read line 125. Why does the speaker think this?
That the mermaids will not sing to Prufrock speaks to his loneliness and recognition that he is not a participant in life, but mere an observer on the sideline.
Lines 129-131
25. What is the speaker's final tone?
The final lines evoke a deep sadness, for Prufrock believes that connecting with people, awakening to a life force, means death. This is an irreconcilable paradox that is the foundation of his existential angst.
