ts eliot

introduction thesis

Modern poetry continues to resonate through the poets critical analysis of language and form, which ultimately offer insight into the human psyche, exposing the stark contrast between the natural desires of the individual and the unnatural constraints of a post modern society.

Introduction of preludes and prufrock

This is reflected in the works of T.S Eliot, ‘Preludes’ and ‘The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock’, through exploration of notions of identity, delving deep into the tensions between the individuals inner psyche, juxtaposed with their need to be perceived by society.

Prufrock

fractured  form to reveal the disordered and insecure thoughts of a modern man, imposed by societal expectations.

Preludes

highlights the inner turmoil of living in an urbanised 20th century society.

Introduction concluding statement

Through recurring images and ideas of search for identity and decay of environment representing isolation in both poems, Eliot therefore confronts readers with unsettling truths about the tension between individuals and modern society, presenting his pessimistic outlook on the world and human experiences within it. 

subthesis 1

Modern poet’s subversion of poetic form provides a creative and insightful perspective on philosophical issues such as the ontological search for truth of oneself. Through form, Eliot successfully portrays the innate desire of an individual's search for meaning both in their inner conscience and in the way they present themselves to the world around them

1 Prufrock → Form → refrain → In the room the women come and go / Talking of Michelangelo."

The repetition and placement of these lines create a sense of circularity and stagnation, mirroring Prufrock's inability to break free from his social constraints and truly express himself. The refrain effectively intrudes the monologue of the poem suggesting that the search for one's true self is constantly interrupted and complicated by social expectations and performances.

1 Preludes → fragmented structure →“The morning comes to consciousness / Of faint stale smells of beer."

The poem's division into four parts, each with a distinct tone and perspective, reflects the multifaceted nature of urban existence and the difficulty of maintaining a cohesive sense of self. The disjointed imagery and abrupt transitions between sections mirror the fragmented nature of modern existence, for example “The morning comes to consciousness / Of faint stale smells of beer." The sudden shift from the abstract concept of morning "coming to consciousness" to the concrete and unpleasant smell of stale beer is jarring and unsettling. The use of second-person addresses in parts II and IV creates a sense of universality, suggesting that the struggle for self-understanding is a shared human experience.

subthesis 2

Poets confront readers with the idea that society is morally corrupt, resulting in individuals wrestling with insecure thoughts as to how they are perceived to the outside world. Thus, feelings of alienation, that have been successful in transcending time, arise in modern texts.

2 use of imagery

 illuminates the deep-seated insecurities that plague individuals in modern society, leading to profound feelings of isolation.

2 Prufrock →  the persona’s internal monologue reveals a paralysing self-consciousness → “Do i dare” → overwhelming question

This hesitation permeates the poem, reflecting Prufrock's fear of social judgement and his inability to act on his desires. The fragmented nature of his thoughts, presented through the repetition of the question, mirrors the fractured state of his psyche, an observation reflected by modernist composers preoccupation with inner self and consciousness.

2 Preludes → Similarly, Eliot conveys a sense of alienation, resulting from the insecurities deep seated in the human psyche.

However, “Preludes” employs stark urban imagery to reflect this notion. References to "grimy scraps," "withered leaves," and "newspapers from vacant lots" paint a picture of decay and neglect, the environment a reflection of the isolation and insecurity that engulfs the persona. 

subthesis 3

Furthermore, poets represent individuals as a reflection of their environment, highlighting the influence ones environment has on their inner conscience and they way in which they present themselves to the world.

3 → deterioration of urban environment

acts as a potent metaphor for the inner anguish that people go through when they can't seem to reconcile who they really are with the identities they feel they have to display.

3 Preludes → depressing image of the metropolis → "The burnt-out ends of smoky days" and "grimy scraps / Of withered leaves about your feet"

 hints at the decay of both the physical and spiritual environments, a subversion from the romantic ideals of pre 20th century poets.

3 Preludes → "The conscience of a blackened street / Impatient to assume the world,"

 this imagery is of a decaying environment reflects the decay of identity as the futility of one searching for identity and understanding consciousness is futile.

3 Prufrock → "the yellow fog that rubs its back upon the window-panes" → recurring image

serves as a metaphor highlights the nature of societal expectations, slowly permeating and distorting one's sense of self,  revealing the struggle to reconcile inner turmoil with the facade he presents to the world.