Prufrock Inadequacy

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The Underlying Factor of Inadequacy in Eliot’s “Prufrock” Poem Uncovered

While reading Eliot’s poem, it is revealed that the overwhelming modern life highly impacts Prufrock. It is said that we are our worst critics; we tend to be too hard on ourselves or sometimes not harsh enough. This poem takes you through the journey of the mind, either we can relate the the thought process of T.S Eliot's poem or we can sympathize with the notion of never feeling good enough. Not only does the modern life, and mind of the speaker resemble inadequacy but also the language/word choice expressed in the poem. The way this poem is structured gives an insight to the common insecurities portrayed through Prufrock, as well as illuminating these self-doubts. …show more content…
Throughout the entirety of the poem it seems that Prufrock is drawing farther and farther away from himself and lacking self confidence. In line 35-36 Prufrock states: “In the room the women come and go, talking of Michelangelo”(Eliot). These women were speaking about Michelangelo because he was an influential figure in modern art, his work was appreciated by many. Prufrock secludes himself because of his own timidity, he feels lost in the nightlife, women coming and going, while he stays unknowing. Prufrock is doubting himself, he loses hope that he can measure up to an individual with self respect and come accept …show more content…
Prufrock is an introvert, he holds himself back from finding himself; his place in society. One of the beauty’s discerned in this poem is Prufrock’s exploration of how he thinks, his fears and personal embarrassment. In Lines 83-85 Prufrock states: “I have seen the moment of my greatness flicker, And I have seen the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker, And in short, I was afraid”(Eliot). In these lines we see how the speaker is feeling sorry for himself through this dramatic monologue. A truly inspiring characteristic of the speaker are his rare moments of honestly; as seen in lines 83-85. Prufrock was afraid, he admits his fear of dying without experiencing what it’s like to live. David Spurr states in The Floors of Silent Seas: “this diminution of the outer self--the part of the mind concerned with imposing order on experience--brings about a corresponding expansion of the inner self”(paragraph 7). Of course, it is the speakers fault for not being of the world and taking advantage of opportunities but as a human race we all suffer from our own
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