Prufrock's Intellectual Superiority

I found myself in the fifth grade, in a strange town, in a strange school, surrounded by adolescents I had never met before as I was a new student. All of my classmates were snickering, shouting, and having a splendid time, except for me. Perplexed by the entirety of the situation, I realized I was unable not fit in because I did know what to say or how to act. Even though I was able to have fun with the rest of the children, I was afraid to do anything for fear of being laughed at. Similarly, in T. S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” Eliot utilized an indecisive, inhibited man who struggled with his thoughts to illustrate his intellectual superiority over the rest of 20th century London and how he did not fit into modern society. …show more content…
As a result of felling superior, Prufrock was unsure and unable to interact with modern society as a fellow human being. Prufrock did not feel as though he fit into the waste land of modern society because he believed he was superior to it. Prufrock described the women as “talking of Michelangelo” and does not confront them partly because of it (Eliot 719). Prufrock disapproved of talking of Michelangelo because he considered it to be the typical cliché topic to converse about, where as someone of his intellectual ability would rather talk of someone else. Michelangelo was considered to be for basic intelligence, conversely, Alfred believed he was highly intelligent and above the ladies and their Michelangelo. As a result, Prufrock was shy and unable to speak to the ladies at all for fear that he would not fit in or have anything to contribute to the conversation that the ladies wanted. In addition, Prufrock further illustrated his belief that he was above society by referencing himself to be one with mythological creatures, rather than human beings. Prufrock was dissatisfied with modern society to the extent at which he believed he fit in more closely with mythological creatures than the humans in the streets of London. Alfred associated himself with mermaids and distanced himself from mankind by referring to mermaids and himself as “we” …show more content…
Although superior, Prufrock was insecure about what others thought of him which furthered his disapproval of the waste land of modern society. Alfred let the thoughts and opinions of others prevent him from doing what he wanted to do. Prufrock questioned whether he should take a bite of a peach, even though he wanted to, because he was afraid of what others may think of him (Eliot 721). Peaches are delicious and sweet, but they can be a sticky mess that could cause embarrassment. Similarly, Prufrock wanted to talk to the ladies but was afraid to embarrass himself. As a result, his disapproval of society swelled because he was fearful that people would scrutinize him for every little flaw he had. By having Prufrock question every minute action, Eliot illustrated the relentless torment of modern societal criticism. Not only was Alfred insecure about his diet, but also his appearance. Prufrock was depicted to be insecure about his mien in order to illustrate how critical society had become. Alfred imagined what the women will say of his bald spot and thin arms and legs and it discouraged him to talk to the ladies (Eliot 719). Prufrock was insecure about his looks to illustrate how society can effect a person. Alfred became afraid of the most minuscule things and blamed himself for it. As a result, Prufrock is unable to talk to the ladies and he was further distanced from