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  • Essay / Examples of allusion in "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock"

    Table of contentsAllusion to Shakespeare's HamletAllusion to Michelangelo's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock"Allusion to L 'Dante's InfernoConclusionBibliographyThe poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by TS Eliot is a modernist masterpiece that delves into the thoughts and fears of its protagonist, Prufrock Throughout the poem, Eliot employs. various literary techniques, including the use of allusion, to convey Prufrock's sense of alienation and existential angst. This essay will explore several examples of allusion in the poem, analyzing their impact on the overall meaning and meaning. themes of the work Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayAllusion to Shakespeare's HamletOne of the most striking allusions in “The Song. of Love by J. Alfred Prufrock” is the reference to Shakespeare’s Hamlet. In the poem, Prufrock compares himself to the indecisive and introspective character of Prince Hamlet, saying, “No! I’m not Prince Hamlet, and I wasn’t meant to be” (line 111). This allusion serves to highlight Prufrock's self-doubt and inability to take decisive action in his life. Additionally, the allusion to Hamlet also suggests a sense of futility and despair. Just as Hamlet is trapped in a cycle of inaction and contemplation, Prufrock is also trapped in his own thoughts and insecurities. This allusion adds depth to Prufrock's character, highlighting his internal struggles and the existential crisis he faces. Allusion to “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by Michelangelo. Another significant allusion in the poem is the reference to Michelangelo's sculpture, "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. Prufrock describes himself as "almost, sometimes, the Fool" (line 118), alluding to the iconic image of the Fool in Michelangelo's work This allusion serves to reinforce Prufrock's feelings of inadequacy and madness Additionally, the allusion to Michelangelo's sculpture also suggests a sense of conscience. of self and introspection Just as the Fool in the sculpture is depicted as a character caught between laughter and tears, Prufrock similarly experiences a mixture of emotions throughout the poem. This allusion adds depth. to the character of Prufrock, emphasizing his complex and contradictory nature.Allusion to Dante's InfernoThe poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" also contains an allusion to Dante's Inferno Prufrock compares himself to the character of Guido. da Montefeltro saying: “I heard the sirens singing, each for each. / I don’t think they’ll sing to me” (lines 124-125). This allusion serves to illustrate Prufrock's feeling of isolation and exclusion. Additionally, the allusion to Dante's Hell also conveys a sense of damnation and despair. Guido da Montefeltro is a character condemned to hell for his sins, and Prufrock is also condemned to a life of unfulfilled desires and missed opportunities. This allusion adds a layer of existential dread to the poem, emphasizing Prufrock's feelings of despair and insignificance. Conclusion In conclusion, “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” uses allusion effectively to convey the inner turmoil and existential angst of its protagonist. Allusions to Shakespeare's Hamlet, Michelangelo's “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” and Dante's Inferno all serve to deepen our understanding of Prufrock's character and his struggles. These allusions highlight his self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy, and sense of isolation. Overall, the use of allusion in the,.