Final answer:
In the poem 'Preludes' by T.S. Eliot, an example of futility or ennui can be seen in the lines that highlight the boredom and dissatisfaction with intellectual pursuits.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the poem 'Preludes' (1910-11), by T.S. Eliot, a beginning example of futility (ennui) can be seen in the lines: 'Books! 'tis a dull and endless strife: Come, hear the woodland linnet, How sweet his music! On my life, There's more wisdom in it.' These lines convey a sense of boredom and frustration with intellectual pursuits, suggesting that they are meaningless compared to the simple beauty of nature. This example illustrates the theme of futility or ennui in the poem.
The lines often emphasize a sense of disillusionment and the monotonous, cyclical nature of life in the modern world. For example, one could look at the passage that describes the evening settling on the city with the burnt-out ends of smoky days, suggesting a sense of routine that leads nowhere, reflecting futility or ennui.