This poem is about a lonely man who longs for female companionship. The only problem is that he has no idea how to approach women. He is slightly terrified of them and what they, and everyone else, might think about him.
There is a party and Prufrock is debating whether or not to go. He knows everyone that is there but he wonders what they will think of him. He doesn't want them to notice his thinning hair or his skinny arms and legs. J. Alfred Prufrock is very insecure. He finally decides that he will go, but then starts questioning his decision. Is it worth it at his age to go to some little party to meet women?
Prufrock compares himself not to Hamlet, but to Polonius, a secondary character that is Hamlet's complete opposite. (lines 111-119) He basically says that he is more or less a fool and wishes he could be as charismatic, as Hamlet.
The tone of the poem takes a turn for the depressing in the end. In the beginning, Prufrock is fairly sure that he will end up going to the party. Towards the final lines of the poem, Prufrock is questioning everything. (lines 99-106) In the end, it is a little confusing on what he is actually feeling. J. Alfred Prufrock is very indecisive. Has he decided that he isn't worthy to go to the party?
Amanda you got the general idea of the poem. Now, you need to go back and look at specific lines and imagery and think about what they could symbolize or mean on a larger level.
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