knowledge makes him hesitate out of fear that any attempt to push beyond simple polite conversation, to make some claim on the woman's affections, will meet with a frustratingly polite refusal. Prufrock would like more than anything to speak of love to this woman, but he does not dare. Deciding not to try, Prufrock questions whether his efforts would have been worthwhile. He excuses his fear by rationalizing that his speaking to the woman would not have achieved any real response....
