Assess “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” as an interior monologue.

Answer

Assess “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” as an interior monologue.

T. S. Eliot’s (1888–1965) “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” was first published in 1915. It is considered one of the greatest modern poems. The poem presents the thoughts and feelings of a middle-aged man named Prufrock. He talks to himself, sharing his fears, doubts, and regrets. This makes the poem an interior monologue, where we see the inner world of the speaker rather than outside events.

The Nature of Interior Monologue: An interior monologue is a poem or prose where the speaker expresses his inner thoughts directly. In this poem, Prufrock speaks in a broken, hesitant, and confused way. He does not tell a story of action. Rather, he reveals his feelings of insecurity and failure. His speech is not directed at others but at himself. We see the workings of his inner mind, full of self-doubt, questions, and worries. This is why the poem is called an interior monologue.

Prufrock’s Hesitation and Self-Doubt: The whole poem shows Prufrock’s lack of confidence. He wants to propose his love or express his feelings, but he cannot. He keeps asking,

“Do I dare?”

“How should I presume?”

These repeated questions show how he hesitates and doubts himself. He is very conscious of his appearance. He thinks others will laugh at his bald spot or his thin arms and legs. His mind is filled with fear of rejection. Through this, Eliot presents his inner voice in a dramatic way.

Memories and Regrets: Prufrock also remembers his past life. He says,

“I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.”

This means his life has been dull, repetitive, and without real achievement. He feels that his great moment has already passed. These are not spoken to others but admitted to himself in a tone of regret. The monologue reveals his deep loneliness and sense of wasted time.

His Desire and His Failure: Prufrock wishes to break free and