The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock

Feminism reading of a text involves dealing the manner in which a literally work or other cultural productions seeks to reinforce, or undermine the economic, political, social and psychological oppression of women. In the, The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, there is an element of stereotyping of women as evident in the line, “In the room the women come and go talking of Michelangelo.” (Lines 13, 14). This line portrays women as being engaged in less serious matter as all they do is to roam around. This position by the author seems to have later change as evident at the point where he indicated, “I have heard the mermaid singing, each to each. I do not think that they will sing to me.” This indicates that the author now considered women as magical creatures and beautiful. The manner in which the author described them he highlights that he admires how beautiful they are and they physical appearance. 

Using the existentialism reading of the poem, The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, one realizes the extent of struggles that the author was experiencing arising from his anxiety and inability to communicate effectively with other human beings. The existentialist approach considers the human condition as the main problem and puts emphasize on the individual existence, freedom and choice. A review in the author’s problems reveals that they seem to merge from his continued aging. “I grow old… I grow old…I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled (120-121). Prufrock appears to be in search of the meaning of his life which causes social anxiety. This affects the manner in which he deals with the women, “How should I presume?” (lines 54, 61, 68). The inability of Prufrock to sparkle an interest in women at the party are seemingly caused by his conception of himself.  He indicates the he is “no prophet” and “no Prince Hamlet, and never meant to be.” (lines 83, 111).

ReferencesEliot, T. S., & Martin, S. (1986). The love song of J. Alfred Prufrock (pp. 13-17). Yonno Press.