Prufrock Quiz
You may refer to the poem in your textbook while you take this quiz. You may not refer to your analysis sheet or other notes.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
S’io credesse che mia risposta fosse A persona che mai tornasse al mondo, Questa fiamma staria senza piu scosse. Ma percioche giammai di questo fondo Non torno vivo alcun, s’i’odo il vero, Senza tema d’infamia ti rispondo.The above is taken from Dante's Inferno. This is an example of the poet's use of
- A.
Establishment of theme.
- B.
A relevant quotation.
- C.
An allusion.
- D.
All of these.
Correct Answer
D. All of these. -
- 2.
"Let us go then, you and I,When the evening is spread out against the skyLike a patient etherized upon a table"This passage depicts the evening
- A.
As cold and numb.
- B.
As filled with hope and expectation.
- C.
As angry and hostile.
- D.
As a cat.
Correct Answer
A. As cold and numb.Explanation
The passage compares the evening to a patient etherized upon a table, which suggests a sense of coldness and numbness. The use of the word "etherized" implies a state of anesthesia, which further reinforces the idea of a lack of sensation or feeling. Therefore, the correct answer is "as cold and numb."Rate this question:
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- 3.
"In the room the women come and goTalking of Michelangelo."The sudden change in setting takes us
- A.
From sawdust restaurants into cheap hotels.
- B.
From the city streets into a theatre.
- C.
From a pretentious tea party into a pet store.
- D.
From the city streets into a pretentious tea party.
Correct Answer
D. From the city streets into a pretentious tea party.Explanation
The correct answer is "from the city streets into a pretentious tea party." This is because the phrase "In the room the women come and go" suggests a change in location from the city streets to a room where women are present. Additionally, the mention of a tea party implies a pretentious atmosphere, further indicating the change in setting.Rate this question:
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- 4.
"The yellow fog that rubs its back upon the window-panes,The yellow smoke that rubs its muzzle on the window-panes"This metaphor compares the yellow fog to
- A.
A cat.
- B.
A snake.
- C.
A patient etherized upon a table.
- D.
An elderly gentleman.
Correct Answer
A. A cat.Explanation
The metaphor compares the yellow fog to a cat. The use of the words "rubbing its back" and "rubbing its muzzle" suggests a sense of familiarity and playfulness, which are often associated with cats. Additionally, cats are known to be curious and have a tendency to explore their surroundings, just like the yellow fog described in the poem.Rate this question:
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- 5.
"Time to turn back and descend the stair,With a bald spot in the middle of my hair —(They will say: 'How his hair is growing thin!')"In this passage, J. Alfred Prufrock is self-conscious about
- A.
His athletic ability.
- B.
Owning a cat.
- C.
His age.
- D.
His outfit.
Correct Answer
C. His age.Explanation
In this passage, J. Alfred Prufrock is self-conscious about his age. This is evident from the line "With a bald spot in the middle of my hair" which suggests that he is experiencing hair loss, a common sign of aging. Additionally, Prufrock anticipates what others might say about his hair thinning, indicating his concern about how he is perceived due to his age.Rate this question:
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- 6.
"And when I am formulated, sprawling on a pin..."What is the image here?
- A.
An insect pinned down as a specimen.
- B.
A lady's hatpin.
- C.
A tie pin.
- D.
A note pinned on a bulletin board.
Correct Answer
A. An insect pinned down as a specimen.Explanation
The image described in the given line is that of an insect pinned down as a specimen. The use of the word "formulated" suggests that the subject is being carefully arranged or prepared, which is commonly done when insects are collected and displayed for scientific purposes. The phrase "sprawling on a pin" further reinforces the idea of the insect being immobilized and displayed for observation. This image aligns with the context of the poem, which often explores themes of confinement and objectification.Rate this question:
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- 7.
"Though I have seen my head (grown slightly bald) brought in upon a platter,I am no prophet — and here’s no great matter"This is a biblical allusion to
- A.
Moses.
- B.
John the Baptist.
- C.
Mary Magdalene.
- D.
Elijah.
Correct Answer
B. John the Baptist.Explanation
The given quote is a reference to the biblical story of John the Baptist. In the Bible, John the Baptist was beheaded, and his head was brought in on a platter as a result of a request made by Herodias' daughter. The quote suggests that the speaker has also experienced a similar fate, having their head brought in on a platter. Therefore, the correct answer is John the Baptist.Rate this question:
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- 8.
"Would it have been worth whileIf one, settling a pillow or throwing off a shawl,And turning toward the window, should say: 'That is not it at all, That is not what I meant, at all.'"This passage shows Prufrock's fear
- A.
Of rejection.
- B.
Of being misunderstood.
- C.
Of women in general.
- D.
All of these.
Correct Answer
D. All of these.Explanation
The passage from T.S. Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" suggests Prufrock's fear of rejection, as indicated by his hesitation and uncertainty in expressing his thoughts and feelings. It also demonstrates his fear of being misunderstood, as he questions whether his words and gestures convey his true intentions. Additionally, Prufrock's fear extends to women in general, as he grapples with his insecurities and anxieties in their presence. Therefore, the correct answer is that the passage shows Prufrock's fear of rejection, being misunderstood, and women in general.Rate this question:
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- 9.
"No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be;Am an attendant lord..."What is the best way to describe Prufrock's self image, based on this passage?
- A.
He sees himself as a confident warrior.
- B.
He sees himself in a role of little significance in the play of life.
- C.
He sees himself as someone who was destined to be great, but he never achieved this greatness.
- D.
He sees himself as popular and well-liked.
Correct Answer
B. He sees himself in a role of little significance in the play of life.Explanation
Based on the passage, Prufrock states that he is not Prince Hamlet and not meant to be, but rather an attendant lord. This suggests that he sees himself in a role of little significance in the play of life. He does not view himself as a confident warrior or someone who was destined to be great but never achieved it. There is no indication that he sees himself as popular and well-liked.Rate this question:
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- 10.
"I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each."Prufrock sees women as mermaids. In the context of the entire poem, this tells us he sees women as
- A.
Kind and gentle.
- B.
Good swimmers.
- C.
Dangerous and unobtainable.
- D.
All of these.
Correct Answer
C. Dangerous and unobtainable.Explanation
In the poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot, the line "I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each" suggests that Prufrock sees women as dangerous and unobtainable. The image of mermaids, mythical creatures who lure sailors to their deaths, implies that women have a captivating and enchanting allure that can lead to destruction. This aligns with Prufrock's overall fear of rejection and his belief that he is not worthy of romantic relationships. Therefore, the correct answer is dangerous and unobtainable.Rate this question:
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