Editors of anthologies containing T. S. Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" invariably footnote the reference to Lazarus as John 11:1-44; rarely is the reference given in Luke 16:19-31. Furthermore, the reference to John the Baptist is invariably given in Matthew 14:3-11; I've never seen the reference at the bottom as an allusion to Oscar Wilde's Salome. The sources cited can profoundly influence interpretations of the poem. I believe that a correct reading of Eliot's "Prufrock" requires citing Wilde, in addition to Matthew, and Luke, in addition to John, as reference sources for John the Baptist and Lazarus. Furthermore, citing these sources may help explain Eliot's allusion to Dante's Guido da Montefeltro. By correct reading of "Prufrock" I mean a reading consistent with the central theme of the poet's belief rendered mute because the poet lives in a culture of disbelief, that is, the "silence" of poetic vision in modernity. Prufrock renounces his inherited romantic role as "poet as prophet" and renounces poetry's role as successor to religion. Perhaps the future of poetry was once immense, but that future no longer exists for Prufrock, who is faced not only with the certainty of rejection of his poetic vision but also with a situation in which there is no basis for rhetoric: " That's not what I meant at all. / That's not what I meant at all." The fear of rejection drives Prufrock to the ultimate silence of the prophet and hero within himself, until he becomes "a pair of worn-out claws." He cannot share his poetic vision of life: to do so would jeopardize the very existence of that life. Paradoxically, not sharing his light, his "words among men", risks losing... half the paper... since no one has ever returned alive from these depths, if what I feel is true, I answer you without fear of infamy." Guido is not afraid to answer all of Dante's questions, to let his flame shine. Prufrock, on the other hand, lives with his light buried in the dark hell of his own fear of rejection. : not he can share his "song of love". He says, indeed, A prophet is never honored in his time; therefore, this prophet will remain silent. He says, indeed, Lazarus was not sent back from the dead- you already have your prophets. So, what need do you have of me? The labyrinth of his "love song" is the hell from which Prufrock is certain none of us will escape. Works cited Eliot, TS "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" in An Introduction to Literature. Ed Sylvan Barnet et al. 13th ed. 2004. 937-940.