Final answer:
In 'The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,' futility is exemplified by Prufrock’s continuous self-questioning and existential despair throughout the poem, which contrasts with traditional love songs that convey hope and passion.
Step-by-step explanation:
A middle example of futility or ennui in T.S. Eliot’s ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock’ could be the entire poem itself, which stands as a modernist exploration of the inner experience of stasis and despair. Unlike a conventional love song, which expresses passion and hope, Prufrock’s love song is replete with his concerns over social inadequacy, missed opportunities, and a profound sense of futility. Through the character of Alfred Prufrock, the poem portrays the inability to act due to overthinking and self-doubt. In the lines “And would it have been worth it, after all, Would it have been worth while…” Prufrock continually questions the value of his actions and experiences, emphasizing a sense of existential futility that permeates his thoughts.