TS Eliot TEA TABLES
The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
Technique Example Analysis
Symbolism, Simile Streets that follow like a tedious The protagonist is displaying his
argument human relationship with others by
describing them to be 'like streets'
that 'follow' him as he walks. This
highlights the human action of
arguing which the protagonist is tired
of. It also presents the idea that the
arguments are non-stop through
symbolism as streets never stop
following you as you walk. This idea
relates to the lifestyle in urban areas
and the human interactions between
people in these environments.
Visual Imagery, Symbolism, The yellow fog that rubs its back upon Eliot delves into the modern issues of
Personification the window-panes. The yellow smoke pollution by describing the fog and
that rubs its muzzle on the smoke that rub windows obstructing
window-panes people's views. Eliot's integration of
modernism themes help readers
relate to ideas within their lives. It also
presents the idea of human
, destruction as pollution has become
an issue due to human activities. This
personification highlights the
connection humans have to modern
problems and how they are making
themselves present to people but no
actions are being taken to resolve
them.
Imagery, Symbolism One-night cheap hotels It evokes a specific setting that
contributes to the mood and themes
of the poem. Eliot’s description of
these hotels conjures a bleak,
transient, and perhaps sordid
atmosphere. The words "cheap" and
"one-night" suggest lack of
meaningful connection.
Anaphora, Repetition "There will be time, there will be time. Eliot uses anaphora as an attempt to
There will be time to murder and display the protagonist convincing
create" himself that he has all the time in the
world to complete his tasks. These
tasks include the want to
communicate with others but it also
displays the lack of action taken by
the protagonist as they are in no rush
, to perform these tasks.
Simile, Visual Imagery When the evening is spread out Compares the evening sky to a
against the sky / Like a patient patient etherized upon a table,
etherized upon a table creating a startling and unsettling
image. Instead of depicting a
peaceful or romantic sunset, Eliot
chooses a simile associated with
paralysis and numbness. The
protagonist wants to have an
adventure and explore the streets,
disconnecting them from ‘real life’.
Personification "Slipped by the terrace, made a Eliot gives the fog animal-like
sudden leap” qualities, making it seem fluid,
unpredictable, and alive through
attributing motion and intent to the
fog. The sudden leap could symbolize
how time or opportunities
unexpectedly slip away, reinforcing
Prufrock’s indecision and fear of
action.
Metaphor, Alienation, Illusion To prepare a face to meet the faces A metaphor for the social masks
that you meet people wear in public interactions
suggests that individuals carefully
, construct their appearances for
outside interactions to conform
societal expectations by hiding their
true emotions. This highlights the
poem’s overarching sense of isolation
and modern alienation.
Repetition, Anaphora "Let us go then, you and I. Let us go, Eliot uses anaphora at the start of two
through certain half-deserted streets." sentences to establish rhythm,
emphasis, and urgency. By repeating
this phrase, the poem creates a sense
of movement and invitation, as if
Prufrock is trying to convince either
himself or the reader to embark on a
journey. However, this repetition also
reflects hesitation and uncertainty of
the protagonist in their current
environment. The environment
reflects the urban lifestyle with
deserted streets and hotels.
TECHNIQUE EVIDENCE/EXAMPLE EFFECT/ANALYSIS
Identify specific language techniques that Provide direct quotations or strong textual The purpose of your effect/analysis column
convey meaning in quoted examples from texts. Particularly ones that is very briefly and simply get down what
evidence/example elicit meaning with strong connection to point or idea you’re proving with the
The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
Technique Example Analysis
Symbolism, Simile Streets that follow like a tedious The protagonist is displaying his
argument human relationship with others by
describing them to be 'like streets'
that 'follow' him as he walks. This
highlights the human action of
arguing which the protagonist is tired
of. It also presents the idea that the
arguments are non-stop through
symbolism as streets never stop
following you as you walk. This idea
relates to the lifestyle in urban areas
and the human interactions between
people in these environments.
Visual Imagery, Symbolism, The yellow fog that rubs its back upon Eliot delves into the modern issues of
Personification the window-panes. The yellow smoke pollution by describing the fog and
that rubs its muzzle on the smoke that rub windows obstructing
window-panes people's views. Eliot's integration of
modernism themes help readers
relate to ideas within their lives. It also
presents the idea of human
, destruction as pollution has become
an issue due to human activities. This
personification highlights the
connection humans have to modern
problems and how they are making
themselves present to people but no
actions are being taken to resolve
them.
Imagery, Symbolism One-night cheap hotels It evokes a specific setting that
contributes to the mood and themes
of the poem. Eliot’s description of
these hotels conjures a bleak,
transient, and perhaps sordid
atmosphere. The words "cheap" and
"one-night" suggest lack of
meaningful connection.
Anaphora, Repetition "There will be time, there will be time. Eliot uses anaphora as an attempt to
There will be time to murder and display the protagonist convincing
create" himself that he has all the time in the
world to complete his tasks. These
tasks include the want to
communicate with others but it also
displays the lack of action taken by
the protagonist as they are in no rush
, to perform these tasks.
Simile, Visual Imagery When the evening is spread out Compares the evening sky to a
against the sky / Like a patient patient etherized upon a table,
etherized upon a table creating a startling and unsettling
image. Instead of depicting a
peaceful or romantic sunset, Eliot
chooses a simile associated with
paralysis and numbness. The
protagonist wants to have an
adventure and explore the streets,
disconnecting them from ‘real life’.
Personification "Slipped by the terrace, made a Eliot gives the fog animal-like
sudden leap” qualities, making it seem fluid,
unpredictable, and alive through
attributing motion and intent to the
fog. The sudden leap could symbolize
how time or opportunities
unexpectedly slip away, reinforcing
Prufrock’s indecision and fear of
action.
Metaphor, Alienation, Illusion To prepare a face to meet the faces A metaphor for the social masks
that you meet people wear in public interactions
suggests that individuals carefully
, construct their appearances for
outside interactions to conform
societal expectations by hiding their
true emotions. This highlights the
poem’s overarching sense of isolation
and modern alienation.
Repetition, Anaphora "Let us go then, you and I. Let us go, Eliot uses anaphora at the start of two
through certain half-deserted streets." sentences to establish rhythm,
emphasis, and urgency. By repeating
this phrase, the poem creates a sense
of movement and invitation, as if
Prufrock is trying to convince either
himself or the reader to embark on a
journey. However, this repetition also
reflects hesitation and uncertainty of
the protagonist in their current
environment. The environment
reflects the urban lifestyle with
deserted streets and hotels.
TECHNIQUE EVIDENCE/EXAMPLE EFFECT/ANALYSIS
Identify specific language techniques that Provide direct quotations or strong textual The purpose of your effect/analysis column
convey meaning in quoted examples from texts. Particularly ones that is very briefly and simply get down what
evidence/example elicit meaning with strong connection to point or idea you’re proving with the
