The first thing we notice about this quote is the "Footman" is capitalized in the middle of the sentence. Obviously, Prufrock is making this particular word stand out because it is a reference to a demon of some sort demonic creature. The next thing we notice is the demon snickers at the narrator when he confronts him. The laugh can be perceived in two different ways. Either the demon is snickering because he enjoys the fear he is instilling. The second possibility is he is snickering because he finds his job of instilling fear as a joke almost, finding it very easy to "kill" people.
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Wow! This is great analysis of the Footman, something I've never seen.
ReplyDeleteEach time i read another persons blog it is eye opening like this one. Very good job of close readings a lot of people might not take notice of the capital F in "Footman" but you did. I like your points on how it can be perceived in two different ways but i would like to know next time what YOU think it is perceived rather than list two options. Other than that good work Mr. Ray.
ReplyDelete- David Derval
I like your analysis Chris. I thought of the Footman as a demon or death coming to take him beyond, but I enjoyed the way you talked about his snickering. I thought the Footman grabbing his coat and snickering implied a near death experience, and that death had taunted him into thinking it was his time, but instead lets Prufrock live. I thought your idea of the demon finding it easy to kill people is great, because after the countless lives lost throughout time death probably has a good idea on how to do his job.
ReplyDeleteThe Footman you describe is very interesting. Upon reading this I did not think much of the footman and how this line adds to characterizing Prufrock as timid and anxious about death. You put the Footman into perspective, effectively describing how he fits in closely with the dynamics of the poem, especially in defining Prufrock’s distraught mindset. I like that you analyze the “snicker” and how it really comes into play in generating a sense of fear, a fear that makes the poem’s significance so much greater with a genuine feel.
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