“And indeed there will be time…thee will be time, there will be time” (IV. 23 & 26). The theme of time is essential to T.S. Eliot’s The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, as the narrator expresses continuous dissatisfaction with the lapsing of time. What is interesting to note about this poem is that it constantly plays with the elements of time. I found the poem to bounce back and forth between illustrating the present and the future, as the narrator discusses the relationship between external passage of time and the internal passage of time in regards to making decisions and acting upon them. He constantly debates back and forth in his mind about simple, mundane activities and whether or not he should execute them, such as eating a peach or walking up the stairs. Interestingly, Prufrock kind of psychoanalyzes his routine actions and situations, as he himself notes there will be time “yet for a hundred indecisions” and the passage of time is something that i interpreted as playing a crucial role in the thoughts whirling around in his mind (IV. 32). Pruforck constantly feels anxiety over being judged for his appearance, thus partially explaining his preoccupation with time, as he equates the passing of time with deteriorating age and appearance. The narrator laments “I grow old…I grow old…/I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled” (VX. 120-121). He is distressed because he realizes now that time is passing him by, as he is growing old before he has gotten the chance to live life to the fullest. In this statement is what I interpreted to be T.S Eliot’s message to readers – to live without regrets and concern for the opinions of others. Time will pass an individual by before they know it, rather than lingering on indecisiveness and loneliness.
However, the most interesting factor to note, in my opinion, is that, although time is mentioned quite frequently throughout the poem, it appears as though time doesn’t pass much in reality, but time is moving a mile a minute in Prufrock’s head. The poem only takes place within the presence of the women and within the mind of Prufrock, which provides the reader with more knowledge about the effects of time on one’s life. I felt as though this was effective for the in allowing the reader to connect the interdependence of the passage of time and deterioration of a person’s body and mind – as demonstrated through Prufrock.
Word Count: 411
To Read or Not To Read...British Literature Blog 