Read the poem “Fog,” by Carl Sandburg.

Question

The fog comes
on little cat feet.

It sits looking
over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.

Which lines from "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" most likely influenced Sandburg’s poem?

Let us go then, you and I,
When the evening is spread out against the sky
Like a patient etherized upon a table;

The yellow smoke that rubs its muzzle on the window-panes,
Licked its tongue into the corners of the evening,
Lingered upon the pools that stand in drains,

I should have been a pair of ragged claws
Scuttling across the floors of silent seas.

Shall I say, I have gone at dusk through narrow streets
And watched the smoke that rises from the pipes
Of lonely men in shirt-sleeves, leaning out of windows?

Answer 1

Carl Sandburg’s poem “Fog” captures a gentle and stealthy arrival of fog, much like how T.S. Eliot’s imagery in “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” evokes a sense of atmosphere and movement. The lines that most likely influenced Sandburg’s poem are:

"The yellow smoke that rubs its muzzle on the window-panes,"
"Licked its tongue into the corners of the evening,"

These lines exhibit a personification of smoke that is reminiscent of the cat-like qualities and stealth in Sandburg’s “Fog.” Both poems reflect on urban themes and employ similar sensory imagery to convey the presence of a natural element (fog or smoke) that subtly interacts with the city landscape. The quietness and stillness of Sandburg’s fog can be seen as echoing the muted atmosphere described by Eliot.

Answer 2

Which excerpt from "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" indicates that Prufrock considers himself to be unimportant?
My morning coat, my collar mounting firmly to the chin,
Shall I say, I have gone at dusk through narrow streets
No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be;
Though I have seen my head (grown slightly bald)

Answer 3

The excerpt from "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" that indicates Prufrock considers himself to be unimportant is:

"No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be;"

In this line, Prufrock is comparing himself to Hamlet, a figure associated with depth, significance, and complexity. By stating that he is not meant to be like Hamlet, he implies a sense of unimportance and inadequacy in his own identity and role in the world. This reflects his feelings of self-doubt and his perception of being an insignificant figure.

Answer 4

Read the excerpt from "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock."

In the room the women come and go
Talking of Michelangelo.

What is the most likely reason for the women to be speaking of Michelangelo?
They want to make eavesdroppers curious.
They want to be perceived as cultured.
They are planning a trip to Italy.
They do not want to talk to the men.

Answer 5

The most likely reason for the women to be speaking of Michelangelo is:

They want to be perceived as cultured.

The mention of Michelangelo, a renowned Renaissance artist, suggests that the women are engaging in conversation that reflects intellectual or artistic interests. This aligns with a desire to be seen as cultured and knowledgeable, especially in a social setting where discussing such topics might elevate their status or demonstrate sophistication.

Answer 6

Read the excerpt from "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock."

Let us go then, you and I,
When the evening is spread out against the sky
Like a patient etherized upon a table;
Let us go, through certain half-deserted streets,
The muttering retreats
Of restless nights in one-night cheap hotels
And sawdust restaurants with oyster-shells:
Streets that follow like a tedious argument
Of insidious intent
To lead you to an overwhelming question . . .
Oh, do not ask, “What is it?”
Let us go and make our visit.
In the room the women come and go
Talking of Michelangelo.

The excerpt is an example of what type of narration?
dramatic monologue
third person, all-knowing
dramatic dialogue
second person, limited

Answer 7

The excerpt from "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" is an example of a:

dramatic monologue.

In a dramatic monologue, a single speaker addresses a silent listener (or listeners) in a way that reveals their thoughts and feelings. In this excerpt, Prufrock is speaking directly to an implied listener ("you"), expressing his internal struggles and observations, characteristic of a dramatic monologue structure.