Notion of the Shell
In this poem, the narrator has a severe confidence problem and is therefore extremely disillusioned and stuck in his "shell". In this disillusionment, he handles everyday events with extreme analysis and over-cautious action. He makes himself believe that he is too different from the rest of the world and therefore it does not accept him. The speaker, who is undoubtedly Prufrock, never engages in conversation with the woman because he becomes frightened and feels as if he is not good enough for her or anyone else. Prufrock's disillusionment is evident throughout the entire poem and prohibits him from obtaining the desire of intimately meeting the woman because of his identity.Prufrock has an idea that he will create a new, exciting personality so that he may approach the women and become familiar with them. The speaker is continuously commenting on his appearance. He is extremely self-conscious. Prufrock says, "Shall I part my hair behind?" (line 122). He feels that if he changes his appearance than the women will like him. Prufrock wants to put up a front that will make him more attractive to women. He discusses getting rid of his old, boring self and creat
A hero's image lives on after his death, but a servant's image will be forgotten. Instead he compares himself to an insect pinned down on a dissection table. The speaker becomes so engrossed in fearing embarrassment or rejection that he resorts to doing absolutely nothing about the situation. He is trapped in his shell and even if he wants to break out, he can't. However, he fails to do and thus lives his life alone. He would not dare to disturb the universe. Prufrock can never push pass polite conversation for the fear of rejection. He would hide in the shell and not attempt at communicating with other living creatures. Prufrock does not look at himself as other human beings do. If he were a crab he would never have to speak of his desires and living a solitude life would be normal. This is mainly because he does not escape his shell in order to let others know of him. He further torments himself by considering himself an opposite of those who have contributed to society in an unforgettable way. Towards the end of the poem he compares himself to Shakespeare's Hamlet. Then, when the moment of testing arrives, he freezes.
Common topics in this essay:
Prufrock Notion,
Prufrock Hamlet,
Prince Hamlet,
polite conversation,
life speaker,
attendant lord,
fear rejection,
|
Acceptance Essays
