How do the central ideas of decay and fear of rejection interact within “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”? Click here to read the poem. The poet alludes to obscure literary works to show that Prufrock understands his hopeless situation. The poet judges Prufrock’s attire as poor by contrasting it with the apparel of the women he finds desirable. The poet combines imagery of Prufrock’s physical aging with statements of despair over his incapacity to approach women. The poet creates analogies to suggest that Prufrock is as dismal as the surroundings that he frequents.