T.S Eliot’s modernist poem ‘The Lovesong of J.Alfred Prufrock’ is set in a dull city, and its protagonist is a disconsolate man who is afraid of living and therefore feels bored within a monotonous society. In ‘The Lovesong of J. Alfred Prufrock’, Eliot insightfully explores how the mundane, ritualistic nature of modern society can leave one in a state of emotional paralysis. This is conveyed through the dramatic monologue of the protagonist Prufrock which directly spoke to me as it epitomised the universal feelings associated with monotonous routine. The romantic imperative gesture “let us go then” is immediately juxtaposed by the immobilising simile “like a patient etherized upon a table,” which to me highlighted the inherent struggle between action and inaction. This stuck with me as I constantly feel like I am going through the motions of life, but not truly being present in the moment. Also, the metaphor “measured out with coffee spoons,” allowed me to understand that the daily rituals of modern society reduces life to a meaningless, mechanical repetition. Therefore, Eliot’s poem resonated with me as it allowed me to comprehend how our mundane society leaves us emotionally stilted.

Eliot also employs his masterful poetic style in Prufrock to express that one’s insecurities and fear of judgement can lead them to a state of isolation and disconnection from others. This is apparent as insecure Prufrock fails to make meaningful connections with those around him. For example, the anaphoric line “the women come and go; talking of Michelangelo,” alludes to a great Italian artist who is known for idealising the male form; its repetition elucidates to me Prufrock’s feelings of ineptitude by subsequent of these ideals. This notion has stuck with me as I questioned how many people, including myself, can fall into the trap of allowing other people to determine our insecurities, leading us to isolate ourselves as a defence mechanism. Eliot further establishes this through the metaphor “chambers of the sea” which amplifies his state of deep depression and isolation that he is drowning in.

Overall, this modernist poem enabled me to comprehend how insecurities can cause one to turn away from the external world as a protective response to the fear of judgement. This poem also stuck with me as it confronted me, a member of society, into realising the ritualistic nature of my life which disallows me from truly living.