Which poem of T. S. Eliot's is often regarded as a starting point for modernist literature?

T. S. Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" is often regarded as a pivotal work in modernist literature due to its innovative use of free verse, stream-of-consciousness technique, and exploration of complex emotional and psychological themes. The poem, published in 1915, introduces readers to a speaker who grapples with feelings of anxiety, inadequacy, and existential despair, reflecting the fragmented reality of modern life.

This work is characterized by its evocative imagery and rich allusions to a wide range of sources, including literature, art, and philosophy, which is a hallmark of modernist writing. The poem's structure and form break from traditional poetic conventions, establishing a new narrative voice that captures the uncertainties of the early 20th century. "Prufrock" is frequently cited as a seminal modernist text that opened the door for later works, including Eliot's own "The Waste Land," which further explores similar themes but is often seen as more complex and layered.

While T. S. Eliot's other works, such as "The Waste Land," are also significant in the modernist canon, "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" is frequently recognized as an important entry point into modern