After today's class discussion on Eliot's poem, I learned a lot about his use of irony. I definitely thought that the notes we took and the outside writing assignment would be very useful for my research. While reading The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, I came to the conclusion that T.S. Eliot is mocking Prufrock by using majestic language. Eliot writes in such a beautiful and deep way, but the meaning behind his poetry shows the complete opposite. The way that Eliot words everything and his fabulous language do not match the expression behind his poem, therefore, displaying irony throughout Eliot’s work.

The first example of irony shown in his poem is actually through the title, The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. Before the reader reads the poem, he or she must look at the title and think that this is genuinely a love poem. But Eliot uses irony from the beginning and uses a title that does not match the idea shown throughout the poem. During this time period, modernism was taking place, therefore people were feeling isolated. Prufrock was sitting by himself during the entire poem, questioning whether to talk to a woman or not. No communication took place; he just sat there waiting to hopefully make a move. At one point in the poem, Eliot writes, “Do I dare/ Disturb the universe?/ In a minute there is time/ For decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse (Eliot lines 45-48). Prufrock is genuinely frightened that he will disturb the universe by even slightly saying something to this particular woman. I find this line ironic because he does not realize that the world will not be affected by this tiny action. To me, he almost seems conceited because he thinks he will make such a large change through his words. Many different things are ironic in Eliot’s poem, but the perfect example is the title.

Another example of irony is the fact that Eliot’s poem is a beautiful demonstration of communication, but the only character in his poem, Prufrock, cannot communicate whatsoever. This example is also the reason why I think Eliot is mocking Prufrock. Eliot obviously knows how to write in such a magnificent manner. He can make this poem even seem magnificent when it is actually very depressing. Prufrock cannot come to a decision. He not only does not know what to say to the woman, but he also does not know how to approach her. Even though this subject is disappointing and depressing for the reader to feel, the poem is still a wonderful piece altogether. I think this is very ironic because the meaning of the poem is so mournful, but Eliot’s use of  language is still majestic. These examples show the major use of irony and mocking towards Prufrock.