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Analysis Of The Love Song Of J. Alfred Prufrock

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The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S Elliot and A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner are both about feeling inadequacies in one’s self, in the eyes of loved ones or society. J. Alfred Prufrock, the speaker in The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, feels inadequate for the woman whom he intends to propose to due to his age, appearance, and perceived self-worth, as well as inadequate for an ever-changing society he no longer fits into. J. Alfred Prufrock makes comments to and about himself throughout the story regarding these attributes in a way that implies he does not think highly of himself. Emily Grierson, the subject of A Rose for Emily also appears to feel inadequate for the modern society, as she was stuck in the past, and has self-doubt in herself due to her relationships with the significant men in her life. J. Alfred Prufrock has internalized all comments others have made about him – regarding his appearance and age – which in turn influence his thoughts throughout the poem. J. Alfred Prufrock describes his dislike in himself, in his appearance, such that he feels he looks too old. J. Alfred Prufrock repeatedly returns to his appearance such as, while lamenting over his decision, when he describes “a bald spot in the middle of [his] hair” (Eliot 7. 40), demonstrative of his feelings that he looks too old. He then goes on to say “(They will say: ‘How his hair is growing thin’)” (Eliot 7. 41), in reference to others who have made comments about him. J. Alfred

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