Song Song by Profrock Essay!

There Is No Darkness But Ignorance

As human beings, our main goal is to have a great life. In order to achieve that, we try to

appreciate the true value of life. One might wonder what defines true value of life. True value of

life differs from person to person but many would agree that it’s all in the perspective one

chooses to look at. In the poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” written by T.S. Eliot,

Prufrock fails to perceive the true value of life. His negative outlook on life destroys him

emotionally leaving him unsatisfied with his life. In addition, Prufrock frequently puts himself

down by comparing his success with others’. Finally, his weak self-confidence and self-esteem in

himself that he built upon using his past experiences haunt him everywhere he goes. He doesn’t

try to change himself and take risks but rather be a coward and accept what life gives. Therefore,

Prufrock’s ignorance to see the true value of life is the real tragedy.

Prufrock's negative perspective on life influences his tragic lifestyle. In the poem,

Prufrock is portrayed as an old man who is broken mentally by terrible past experiences who

now looks at the glass half empty. Since he is getting old and emotionally depressed and sad,

he views himself as the over-ripped fruit in his society. Prufrock’s stubbornness to believe that it

is possible to do anything he wishes even at his age prepares him for a life full of failures. He

states that others will say “how his arms and legs are thin!” but doesn’t do anything to get back

in shape. This shows that Prufrock does not find a way to fix his problems, but rather chooses to

complain about them. If he couldn’t have a perfect body, then could choose to increase his

knowledge or learn other talents but he rather pick out the negative aspect of his life and blow it

out of proportion. In addition, he brings out the negative characteristic out of everything. He