The love song of J. Alfred Prufrock : jogos no tempo e tempo de jogo

Abstract

This article attempts to show how the thematic and formal structure of 'The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock' «plays» in different ways with the concept of game. Some of the devices used in the poem are therefore explored, such as: the use of contrasts and parallels, the fragmentation of time sequences, the playful attitude and relation of the poetic 'I' and 'You' and finally the role of language — the last resort of construction and deconstruction, seduction and disenchantment, in short, the real and only pretext for the game.