The Love Song of J.

Alfred Prufrock

1) Reference to cat or Eliot’s description of urban imagery.

Ans. In Thomas Sterns Eliot’s poem ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock’, he describes the fog
of St.Louis that blew from the factory chimneys. The description of fog in terms of a cat is an
example of Prufrock’s inertia and somnolence.
2) Why does Eliot use the reference of Hamlet ?
Ans. Prufrock refers to Hamlet to compare, saying that at least Hamlet had a noble purpose
in life and he had murdered some inferior people. But Prufrock cannot do anything.
Moreover, instead of confronting the situation, Prufrock dramatises himself and retreats
from it.
3) What is an ‘overwhelming question’ ?
Ans. The ‘overwhelming question’ remains unstated, but it has been interpreted as Prufrock’s
intended proposal to the lady he is about to visit. It is also a question concerning Prufrock’s
meaning of life. There is an ironic allusion to the Grail Legend in which the knight can restore
the waste land and heal its important ruler by asking the right question. But Prufrock’s life is
concerned with a less important question.
4) Allusion to Lazarus.
Ans. Two lazaruses are mentioned in the Bible. One was the brother of Mary and Martha,
whom Jesus Christ brought back to life from death. Another Lazarus was a begger at the gate
of the rich man, Dives. After their deaths, Lazarus went to heaven and Dives to hell. Dives
implored Abraham to send back Lazarus to his five brothers to warn them of the torment of
hell. For Prufrock, to tell all would be to reveal what a living and suffering death is. But he
denies the role of Lazarus because he realises the futility of endeavour.
5) “I am no prophet – here’s no great matter;” – explain.
Ans. Prufrock draws a mock-heroic parallel between himself and John the Baptist. John the
Baptist had declared Herod’s marriage unlawful. He was decapitated on Herod’s order, and
his head was brought upon a platter. Prufrock realises that he lacks the courage to tell the
truth about John the Baptist, so he denies this role. The image of decapitation implies
Prufrock’s fear of castration.
6) Comment on the ending of the poem.
Ans. The ending of the poem is very disturbing. Danger is implicit in Prufrock’s marine
paradise because mermaids traditionally drown their lovers; moreover, the reverie of
Prufrock is only a temporary respite. The ambivalent suggestion of both awakening and
drowning offers no possibility of escape.