- The central character of T.S. Elliot’s poem entitled “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” is a man that appears confused and dejected not only about his relationships with women, but also with society as a whole. Whether it stems from his lack of self-confidence or low self-esteem, this man seems resigned to his fate of living a life of isolation due to his inability to connect with other people in the surrounding world. Proof of this is seen when he describes how others view his physical appearance in a negative manner, specifically his short arms and baldness. Further evidence of his personal insecurities are on display when he remarks that at times he feels as if others view him as obtuse or foolish and that, “I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each. I do not think they will sing to me (544).” The belief that others will judge him based upon his outward appearance and that even the mermaids will not give him the time of day highlights the lack of self-confidence this individual possesses, a development that has resulted in continued struggles with women and society.
- The lines of the poem that I understood and felt were integral to the themes of Elliot’s piece highlight his glaring lack of self-confidence. As Elliot wrote, “No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be; Am an attendant lord, one that will do. To swell a progress, start a scene or two, Advise the prince; no doubt, an easy tool, Deferential, glad to be of use, politic, cautious and meticulous; Full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse; At times, indeed, almost ridiculous- Almost, at times, the Fool.” (Lines 111-119)
I believe these lines are critical because they truly demonstrate how little he thinks of his position in society. Rather than view himself as someone of significance or importance, he feels as if he belongs in the shadows as someone that fails to make a real difference in this world. Taking this a step further, there are times where he will be regarded as not only weird or obtuse, but also as the foolish one in the room. With these sorts of ideas about himself, it is no wonder that this character continuously struggles to overcome his challenges and become a fledging member of society.
- (Three Questions)
a) What do you feel is the biggest character flaw that is standing in the way of this character finding success and happiness in life
b) Do you place more of the blame on the man for developing these feelings, or is the onus on society for how it has treated him throughout his troubled life?
c) Is there still time for the figure to turn his life around? Or is it too late to inflict meaningful change due to the lifelong anguish he has experienced?
Response to question 1:
I think the character’s biggest flaw is his tendency to shy away from almost everything. Although he claims that he has knowledge of a lot of things, but he never has encountered with them. Prufrock does not want to be rejected by others, therefore, he never even gives an opportunity for others to reject him. So at the end of his life, the only things that he were good at were drinking teas and coffees, and wearing sharp-looking clothes.
3. Hey Sam, I do think there is still time for him to turn his life around. It is never too late in someone’s life to change things around. Having said that it would be very difficult for him considering he’s lived his whole life one way. So to suddenly make a dramatic change to that would be difficult but possible.
Sam,
I see that no one has answered your second question about who’s responsible for his situation – Prufrock or society, perhaps because it’s unanswerable! Probably a combination of the two, I would assume. However, it is certainly the case that Prufrock’s feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and alienation have something to do with the state of the world in the early part of the 20th century. We will discuss this a bit in class on Wednesday.
JS