On “an overwhelming question” in The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock

Abstract

This paper is an endeavor to analyze “an overwhelming question” in The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. As the Eliot’s representative work of early poetry, this poem delineates the deep theme of modern character separation in western countries. In this poem, the interpretation of the overwhelming question is crucial for the appreciation of the whole poem. This paper analyzes the use of images and allusions and philosophical basis for the poem. Thus the author gets the conclusion that this question which Prufrock never speaks out is his psychological conflict. He is pondering whether he should reveal his true self before the public.
Key words: Prufrock; an Overwhelming Question; Psychological Conflict