Rewrite this poem as a short story, covering one night in the life of Prufrock. Where does he go? What does he see that makes him bring up the subjects that he does? In your story, who will you have Prufrock talking to?

Read Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem "Ulysses," also included in Poetry for Students. What does Prufrock have in common with Ulysses? What similarity can you draw between the two poems' styles?

Do you think Prufrock has a good sense of who he is, or do you think he is deluded? Give evidence to support your answer.