The use of a passage from Dante's "Inferno" at the beginning of “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” is known a (n)?
The use of a passage from Dante's "Inferno" at the beginning of "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" is known as an epigraph.
The use of a passage from Dante's "Inferno" at the beginning of “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” is known as an epigraph. An epigraph is a quotation, phrase, or poem that appears at the beginning of a literary work to set the tone, provide context, or convey a deeper meaning. In the case of T.S. Eliot's poem, the epigraph from Dante's "Inferno" serves to introduce themes of self-doubt, fear, and existentialism that are present throughout the poem.
The use of a passage from Dante's "Inferno" at the beginning of "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" is known as an epigraph.
If you want to find out more about literary terms or the specific meaning and influence of the epigraph in this poem, there are a few steps you can take:
1. Read the poem: Start by reading "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot in its entirety. This will give you a better understanding of the poem as a whole and how the epigraph connects to it.
2. Research the term: Look up the definition of an epigraph, which is a short quotation or passage that appears at the beginning of a book, chapter, or poem. It often sets the tone or provides insight into the themes or content that follows.
3. Study Dante's "Inferno": Familiarize yourself with Dante's "Inferno," which is the first part of his epic poem "The Divine Comedy." Read the specific passage used in "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" to understand its context and significance.
4. Analyze the connection: Examine how Eliot's choice of this particular "Inferno" passage relates to the themes and ideas explored in his poem. Consider the possible reasons why he chose this specific quotation, whether it be for its thematic resonance, metaphorical implications, or cultural allusions.
By following these steps, you can gain a deeper understanding of the literary technique employed in the poem and its connection to the source material.