Why does the speaker say the mermaids will not sing for him in Alfred J. Prufrock? What does this indicate about his self-conception? Which theme does it develop?

Answer: Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" is a middle-aged man, socially awkward and somewhat shy, who is attracted to younger, beautiful women. He is very afraid of violating social rules. The mermaids in the poem represent the women to whom he is attracted. they do not sing to him because he lacks the ability and confidence to develop self control.