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A dramatic monologue is a record of the feelings of a character and not of the poet. Browning has written dramatic monologues of important persons, where each one describes the inner state of mind cogently and systematically. However, in the case of Prufrock, the poet does not deal with his own feelings. He does not view an imaginary character as his mouthpiece, but the split personality of Prufrock. There is, however, no coherence or development in the thoughts and feelings of Prufrock. There are sudden jumps on the pattern of the stream of consciousness technique.
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| Love Songs of J Alfred Prufrock |
Split personality of Prufrock: Prufrock is a neurotic character; he feels helpless and confused in his attitude to love. He realises futility and importance of his life. He compares himself to a worm wriggling on a wall. He has measured his life, with coffee spoons - something which is trivial and insignificant. He has mixed in high society, known women intimately, smelt their bodies and dresses, but he has not been able to decide about the future course of his life - whether he should settle down after marrying the girl he loves. The trouble with Prufrock is that though he is in love, he cannot decide about making a proposal to a lady. He feels nervous and diffident. He is almost a coward in love.
While the Caroline poets could be aggressive in love and make the first advance in the hope of a favourable response from the beloved, Prufrock cannot decide whether he should propose at all to the lady. He realises that he is ageing and his vigour is on the decline. Moreover, his proposal will mean his discontinuing the career of free sexual relationship. To propose or not to propose - this is his problem. Supposing, the lady gives hima cold shoulder, she may rebuke him that he has misunderstood her politeness. She has no intention at all of considering him for marriage. Prufrock's is a mental case; he suffers from the paralysis of the will.
A rewarding love: Prufrock expects something vital - a meaningful and responsible relationship after marriage. This is just an expectation, but it may materialise or not. In the meantime, he must make up his mind, propose in the girl and be sure of her, before any permanent and fruitful relationship can be established with her. He is an extremely introvert type, and cannot reconcile himself to the possibility of another frustration in life. His life is already full of barrenness and failure; he is fed up with the triviality and boredom of the routine of the city life. Life is hollow sham; it is measured and judged, not in terms of tasks done, but in terms of coffee spoons drunk at social parties. Any further failure will add to his mental confusion and depression. The fact is that there is basic tragedy at the heart of life. It is not peculiar to the present century The failure of Prufrock is an example of the universal tragedy of man - his failure to translate his thoughts into action.
Lover song with a difference: The Long Song is not a love song in the traditional sense of the term. It is the embodiment of a mood, a feeling of loneliness and need of companionship. The spreading fog of an October night creates a desire for company, for a lasting relationship with one whom he can love and cherish. In this sense, the poet has been successful in creating a mood, in evoking an atmosphere in which there are possibilities that love can be rewarding and meaningful. Moreover, The Love Song like Elizabethan and Jacobean songs, does not praise the beloved in superlatives, does not exaggerate the passion of the lover, does not plead for an instant union.
Conclusion: In Prufrock, there is hardly any fiery passion which is an important ingredient of the traditional love song. Secondly, The Love song does not have the jingle and lilt of a common love song. It cannot be set to music. The variety of its verse forms and rhythms preclude its being sung. In this manner also it differs from an Elizabethan or Jacobean love-song. It has, however, a kind of music what may be called the pattern and structure, the flow of experience and the sequence or experiences and symbols. The entire poem echoes the barrenness and futility of love-experience in the modern age. That is why Prufrock is ultimately unable to sing his love song. He is not sure whether it can really provide him with the comfort and joy which he finds, lacks in modern life.
University Questions also can be Answered:
1. In The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock who is the speaker? Under what circumstances does he speaks and to whom and why? What hints and suggestions show us his character?
2. The theme of The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock is a personal dilemma." Justify this dictum.
3. "The Love Song is the self-revelation of a neurotic." Examine the statement critically.
4. Draw a sketch of Prufrock's character as revealed in The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.
5. According to Eliot, poetry is bound to be in some sense dramatic. How does The Love song of J. Alfred Prufrock fulfill this dictum.