Final answer:
T.S. Eliot's 'The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock' constructs meaning through a modernist use of form and dramatic monologue, diverging from traditional love poems. The poem explores themes of isolation and societal disillusionment, with Prufrock's hesitation to 'disturb the universe' symbolizing existential angst. Eliot's modernist techniques encourage readers to consider form and structure as essential to the poem's interpretation.
Step-by-step explanation:
T.S. Eliot constructs meaning in 'The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock' through intricate use of form and literary techniques, rather than through a straightforward narrative. Eliot's use of a dramatic monologue differs from traditional love songs, which often express direct feelings of love; instead, Prufrock's lament is filled with insecurities and reflects modernist themes such as isolation and the disillusionment of contemporary society.
When Prufrock questions, "Do I Dare Disturb the Universe?" he is expressing a profound existential dilemma—whether to take action that could disrupt the status quo or remain in inaction due to fear of the consequences. In other words, the 'universe' may symbolize the order of his life or the societal expectations that bind him. This line captures the poem's essence of Prufrock's internal conflict and his feelings of insignificance.
Eliot's work, especially within the context of High Modernism, reflects a departure from traditional verse towards a more fragmented and complex form. This fragmentation can be seen in the rhythm and tone of 'Prufrock', which often convey as much meaning as the words themselves. The Modernist approach to poetry, as demonstrated by Eliot, challenges the reader to consider form and structure as integral to understanding the full meaning of a text.