identify a major theme in one of the stories or poems you read for this course. State the theme and a complete sentence. Then explain how the author develops this theme throughout the story or poem, through plot events, character development, dialogue, and another story element.
One major theme in the poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot is the theme of alienation and social anxiety.
The author develops this theme through various elements of the poem. In terms of plot events, the entire poem is framed as an internal monologue of the protagonist, Prufrock, who is portrayed as a socially anxious and self-conscious individual. This is evident in lines such as "Do I dare / Disturb the universe?" and "Do I dare disturb the universe? / Time to turn back and descend the stair," which reflect his apprehension and fear of social interaction.
Furthermore, the author uses character development to emphasize the theme of alienation. Prufrock is depicted as a deeply introspective and self-doubting character, constantly analyzing his actions and thoughts. This is evident in lines like "And indeed there will be time / To wonder, ‘Do I dare?' and, ‘Do I dare?'" This focus on introspection highlights Prufrock's detachment from society and his struggles with fitting in.
Dialogue and other story elements are also employed to reinforce the theme. The poem is composed as a stream of consciousness, presenting Prufrock's thoughts and inner musings in a fragmented and disjointed manner. This technique creates a sense of alienation and disconnection, mirroring Prufrock's own internal reality. It also contributes to the idea that his anxiety and feelings of being an outsider are pervasive and all-consuming.
Overall, through the use of plot events, character development, dialogue, and other story elements, T.S. Eliot effectively develops the theme of alienation and social anxiety in "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock."