Why does the speaker of the love song of J Alfred Prufrock tell us more than once that the woman come and go talking of michelangelo?

The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot is a modernist poem that explores the inner thoughts and anxieties of its speaker, J. Alfred Prufrock. The repetition of the line "And the women come and go / Talking of Michelangelo" serves several purposes in the poem:

1 Social Isolation and Alienation:

• Prufrock perceives a social world where people, particularly women, engage in conversations about high culture and art, symbolized by the mention of Michelangelo. The repetition of this line emphasizes Prufrock's sense of alienation and his belief that he does not comfortably fit into this sophisticated social scene.

2 Insecurity and Self-Doubt:

• Prufrock is plagued by insecurities and self-doubt, feeling inadequate and unimportant in the presence of others. The repetition of the line underscores his perception that discussions about figures like Michelangelo are beyond his reach or understanding, contributing to his feelings of social inadequacy.

4 Symbolism of Art and Culture:

• The mention of Michelangelo serves as a symbol of high culture and artistic sophistication. Conversations about Michelangelo represent a world of intellectual and cultural pursuits that Prufrock feels disconnected from. The repetition reinforces the contrast between Prufrock's inner world and the external social expectations.

5 Monotony and Repetition:

• The repetition of the line contributes to the overall sense of monotony and routine in Prufrock's life. The fact that women "come and go" talking about Michelangelo suggests a recurring pattern in his social experiences, highlighting the stagnation and lack of meaningful connection in his life.

6 Fragmentation of Time:

• The repetition creates a fragmented sense of time, suggesting a cyclical or repetitive nature to Prufrock's social interactions. It contributes to the overall structure of the poem, which is characterized by a series of fragmented and disjointed thoughts.

Overall, the repetition of the line "And the women come and go / Talking of Michelangelo" reinforces the themes of isolation, self-doubt, and the disconnect between Prufrock's internal world and the external social environment. It contributes to the poem's exploration of modernist concerns and the complexities of individual consciousness.