T.S Elliot, “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” – Shawn Bendeck

    And would it have been worth it, after all,

Would it have been worth while,

After the sunsets and the dooryards and the sprinkled streets,

After the novels, after the teacups, after the skirts that trail along the floor—

And this, and so much more?—

It is impossible to say just what I mean!

(Lines 99-104)

           Throughout the poem Prufrock says he has this overwhelming question on his mind. He seems to really need to get something off his chest but just doesn’t seem able to do so. The poem discusses his thin self and and loss of hair. Maybe he realizes these characteristics of himself and just isn’t confident to approach whoever he has this question for. His biggest fear is most definitely rejection. I felt when he mentioned the woman had been talking of Michael Angelo he may see Michael Angelo as a man woman care about and talk highly about.  He himself doesn’t even come close to comparing to Michael Angelo so why would these women ever talk about him. The passage chosen could potentially relate to me possibly explaining my reasoning for choosing it. As a man rejection of a fear of myself. I would never want to be turned down by a woman. Imagine building up the confidence and courage to talk to a woman simply to be denied. Your confidence is destroyed and could be almost embarrassing. However, Prufrock understands the cons of delivering such an impactful question but he does understand that of everything goes as planned the reward is definitely worth it. Thinking about life and the biggest what if’s can have ur brain thinking and turning all day. What if you did this instead of this. What if you took a certain path in life would you be in a better position than you are currently. The way I look at it for Prufrock is it is better to try than to never know. You never want to regret never doing something and look back at it everyday. Although his biggest question would’ve potentially  ended badly at least he has tried. At the end of the day you only live life once so why not do what you desire to do. If all goes well the reward will most definitely be worth it as the future could be bright. But if he holds that question to himself it will remain on his mind for the rest of his days. After the sunsets, teacups, and so much more shows that he can see the pros and a bright future ahead. He’s thinking of better and happier days. He just shows himself that it will in fact be worth it. When he says it is impossible to say just what I mean. Maybe he’s dealing with love and sometimes when dealing with love you don’t really know what you do mean or how you feel. It could be hard for him to get off his chest what he is trying to say. Or maybe he does know what he is trying to say yet again lacks the confidence to say it.  I myself wish I could’ve pepped talk him into building such confidence after all it IS worth it to find happiness .