Fragmented Structure
In this poem this modernistic term describes how the poem jumps between ideas instead of staying smooth and linear.
What is fragmentation.
Prufrock repeats that "there will be time," but instead of being comforting, it shows he keeps delaying action out of fear.
What is, using time as an excuse to procrastinate instead of acting.
The fog that "rubs its back upon the window-panes" is compared to this animal.
What is, cat.
Bonus: Yellow cat
The repeated line "Coming ad going/talking of Michelangelo" interrupts the poem's flow representing this.
What is, not a smooth and logical order.
Prufrock worries about his "bald spot" and how he looks to others, showing this fear connected to time.
What is, fear of aging and physical decline.
This imagery of a patient "etherized upon a table" reflects Prufrock's sense of paralysis and inability to act.
What is, evening sky
The poem jumps from describing dirty streets and cheap hotels to Prufrocks worrying about his appearance, connecting this.
What is, the decay of the city to Prufrock's decaying mind.
This line about having "measured out my life with coffee spoons" suggests time passing in small, repetitive, meaningless moments.
What is, time being wasted by routine.
The "overwhelming question" that Prufrock hesitates to ask symbolizes his fear of this type of personal risk.
What is, romantic rejection.
At the end of the poem it suddenly moves from a realistic city setting to dreamlike images of mermaids, represents this modernistic view.
What is, the shift from reality to fantasy imagery represents modern times now.
Prufrock says he has "seen the moment of my greatness flicker," suggesting that time has already passed him by.
What is, fear of missed opportunities or regret over the past.
Prufrock's repeated mention of "measuring out life with coffee spoons" symbolizes this aspect of modern life.
What is, a repetitive and monotonous lifestyle.
How does Eliot's use of fragmented structure help develop Prufrock's character?
What is, it reflects Prufrock's scattered, anxious mind and inability to focus clearly.
Even though Prufrock claims there is plenty of time, he never asks his "overwhelming question," showing his deeper Modernist idea about time.
What is, time creating paralysis/he over thinks until it's too late to act.
The mermaids near the end of the poem symbolize a world of fantasy and beauty that Prufrock believes he cannot access, highlighting this idea.
What is, unfulfilled desire.