In what ways might we consider 'The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock' by T.S. Eliot a Modernist poem?

A: 

We might first consider the form of the poem. Does there appear to be any strict metre or rhyme scheme? No, there does not. We can however see that Eliot is toying with rhyme and metre in places, in ways that his Edwardian predecessors tended not to. The third line of the poem is perhaps one of the most famous lines of poetry in the twentieth century. The evening is described as being 'spread out against the sky/ Like a patient etherised upon a table'. What rhetorical device is being used here? A simile, because it is 'like', as opposed to a metaphor, where something becomes something it is not. Eliot's comparison of the night to a patient etherised - or aneaesthatized - upon a table immediately brings in a modern, scientific sensibility, and destabilizes any preconceived expectations of what a 'Love Song' is supposed to be like.

IN
Answered by Isaac N. English Literature tutor

5537 Views

See similar English Literature A Level tutors

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why is Shylock's "Hath not a Jew..." speech important?


What message is the authour attempting to get across in this chapter?


Starting with this conversation (Act 1, Scene 2), explain how far you think Shakespeare presents Lord Capulet as a good father


Compare and contrast the portrayal of the relationship Mrs Linde and Nora have with their parents.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences