1. What is the role of Time in this poem?
Time, or the passing of time, seems to fuel the feelings of
incompetence and disillusionment that take hold of Prufrock. He continues to
reassure himself throughout the poem that there is still time remaining to take
action and do what he wishes, however, we see time begin to affect Prufrock:
“Though I have seen my head (grown slightly bald)”, “I grow old ... I grow old
...” Time and its consequences are a constant reminder of his indecision and
inaction.
2. What is the significance of Eliot's allusions to Hamlet
and the "eternal Footman"?
The allusion to Hamlet is significant because it
demonstrates the manner in which Prufrock thinks about himself. “No! I am not
Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be,” he does not believe himself worthy enough
to be compared to Hamlet, when in reality they share more similarities than
what he believes. Both are burdened with the struggle of time and action and
both question everything. Yes, their circumstances are different, but their
struggle is similar.
3. Choose a moment in which Eliot uses figurative language
and:
- interpret the image
- explain how the image and its meaning contribute to your
understanding of the theme of the poem
“I have seen them riding seaward on the waves
Combing the white hair of the waves blown back
When the wind blows the water white and black.”
These lines tie back to the fact that time is rapidly
passing by and before he knows it he will be gone, taking with him his
isolation and fears. “Combing the white hair of the waves,” his white hair and
his old age. He has spent so long worrying and fearing that now he finds
himself closer to death. Beforehand he had stated that the mermaids would not
sing to him, another reminder of his isolation. And he ends the poem on a
solemn note, drowning once he has been awakened for it was too late.
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