Shakespearean Allusions in The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock

The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, a seminal poem by T.S. Eliot, is renowned for its rich use of literary allusions that contribute to its depth and complexity. Among the many allusions in the poem, Eliot incorporates references to characters from William Shakespeare’s plays, adding layers of meaning and enhancing the overall thematic resonance.

Hamlet

One of the Shakespearean characters alluded to in “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” is Hamlet, the tragic protagonist of Shakespeare’s play of the same name. Throughout the poem, Prufrock compares himself to Hamlet, expressing his own indecisiveness and inability to take decisive action. This parallel underscores Prufrock’s internal conflict and his struggle with self-doubt, as he contemplates his own existence and his place in the world.

Henry IV Part II

Another Shakespearean play referenced in the poem is “Henry IV Part II.” Prufrock mentions the character Polonius, who appears in both “Hamlet” and “Henry IV Part II”. By alluding to Polonius, Prufrock highlights his own self-consciousness and social awkwardness. Polonius, known for his long-winded and often nonsensical speeches, serves as a symbol of Prufrock’s own tendency to overthink and analyze his every word and action.

Twelfth Night

In addition to Hamlet and “Henry IV Part II,” “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” also references Shakespeare’s comedy, “Twelfth Night.” Prufrock compares himself to the character Malvolio, who is known for his excessive self-importance and social pretensions. This comparison emphasizes Prufrock’s own feelings of inadequacy and highlights his awareness of how he is perceived by others.

In conclusion, T.S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” incorporates allusions to Shakespearean characters to add depth and complexity to the poem. Through references to Hamlet, Polonius from “Henry IV Part II,” and Malvolio from “Twelfth Night,” Eliot explores themes of indecisiveness, self-consciousness, and social awkwardness. These allusions enrich the poem’s exploration of the human condition and contribute to its enduring significance in the realm of modernist literature.

References

1. Wikipedia. “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.” Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Love_Song_of_J._Alfred_Prufrock
2. Owl Eyes. “Allusion in The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.” Retrieved from https://www.owleyes.org/text/love-song/analysis/allusion
3. Medium. “The Use of Allusions in TS Eliot’s The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.” Retrieved from https://iyamete.medium.com/discuss-the-allusions-used-in-ts-eliots-the-love-song-of-j-64481132c358

FAQs

Which Shakespearean character is alluded to in “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”?

Answer: T.S. Eliot refers to several Shakespearean characters in the poem, including Hamlet, Polonius, and Malvolio.

How does Eliot allude to Hamlet in the poem?

Answer: Eliot draws parallels between the character of Prufrock and Hamlet, highlighting Prufrock’s indecisiveness and his struggle with taking action.

Which Shakespearean play features the character Polonius?

Answer: Polonius appears in both “Hamlet” and “Henry IV Part II,” and he is referenced in “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.”

What does the allusion to Polonius in the poem signify?

Answer: By alluding to Polonius, Prufrock’s character embodies self-consciousness and social awkwardness, reflecting his own anxieties and insecurities.

Which character from “Twelfth Night” is mentioned in the poem?

Answer: The character of Malvolio from “Twelfth Night” is referenced in “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.”

How does the allusion to Malvolio contribute to the poem?

Answer: The comparison to Malvolio underscores Prufrock’s feelings of inadequacy and highlights his awareness of how he is perceived by others.

Are there any other Shakespearean characters referenced in the poem?

Answer: While Hamlet, Polonius, and Malvolio are the prominent Shakespearean characters alluded to, there may be additional subtle references throughout the poem that scholars continue to analyze and interpret.

What is the significance of incorporating Shakespearean characters in “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”?

Answer: The allusions to Shakespearean characters deepen the thematic resonance of the poem, adding layers of meaning and enhancing the exploration of existential dilemmas, self-doubt, and the complexities of the human condition.