Abstract

This paper examines T.S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” through the lens of social acceleration and temporal alienation, offering a new interpretation of Prufrock’s psychological paralysis. Drawing on Hartmut Rosa’s theory of social acceleration, the paper argues that the fragmentation and indecision in Prufrock’s character mirror the effects of an increasingly accelerated modern world. It suggests that Prufrock’s hesitation and his obsession with time are not simply individual traits but reflections of a broader societal condition, where technological progress and the compression of time contribute to a loss of meaning and disconnection from self. By exploring Prufrock’s internal struggles that reflect temporal dislocation and alienation, the paper demonstrates the profound psychological impact of living in a world dominated by speed, technological progress, and the relentless measurement of time. Ultimately, it argues that Prufrock’s crisis is emblematic of the modern existential dilemma faced by individuals caught in a fast-moving, time-compressed society.

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