Upon reading The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, a poem about a middle aged bald man with insecurities, I wonder will Prufrock disturb the universe? Short answer, no! Well, he should! Here is why I think he should!
When I was in college I was introduced to T.S. Eliot's work especially Prufrock and I was rather intrigued. I was also an English Literature major then so it was no surprise I was amazed by this poem. He uses a boatload of different elements and themes ranging from rhymes to endless doubt. Eliot truly is a mastermind.
I decided it was worth a re-read. The line where he mentions disturbing the universe struck me. Most people with anxiety will not disturb the universe because of doubt or insecurity. So what can we learn from Prufrock? Despite Prufrock having insecurities, we can learn a thing or two from him. Sometimes we have got to let loose. Something I myself should learn!
The poem is about the protagonist Prufrock as we questions life and his insecurities. The title of the poem is rather ironic because of how he is. He wouldn't discuss his love life due to being insecure, but instead he invites the reader into his world. His so called "love" life so to speak. Prufrock is out here trying his best to impress, but he is coming up short. He is at a social gathering and he is underdressed. People are looking. He walks around the city beforehand to discover yellow fog, the yellow fog of his insecurity. The social gathering as him questioning literally his life's existence. Why is he so anxious? The people have him feeling that way!
I believe Prufrock should grow a thicker skin and forget what people think! Of course he's middle aged and bald, but should that really matter? Society tends to put pressure on certain groups of people to be tough, but why? Why must Prufrock succumb to this? He's scared. I understand. I would be too! All good reason why Prufrock should disturb the universe! I can learn from Prufrock because he is at least trying, which he doesn't realize. Yes, he is middle aged. Yes, he is underdressed. Yes, he is insecure. Yes, he is anxious. But he IS trying. And that is why I think he more than disturbed the universe!
Shall I dare? Yes you should! Challenge the norm. Challenge society. Challenge the universe, but do it in good faith! Prufrock didn't realize he was challenging the norm. He was too nervous to see that. Just stepping foot and being yourself takes courage! We can as humans learn a thing or two from Prufrock! It's okay to have anxiety and feelings! It's also okay to challenge the norm.
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