: “But how his arms and legs are thin!”) These physical insecurities prevent him from living the life he longs for by distracting him from the things that have real meaning, i.e., “Shall I part my hair behind” and “Do I dare to eat a peach?” These are petty questions that he asks to avoid the “Overwhelming question.” Prufrock is consumed with these insignificant details of his life. Prufrock avoids life not only through trite physical worries, but through numerous mental labors as well. These mental labors range from imagining himself as being completely vulnerable “Like a patient etherized upon a table” to Prufrock looking at the superficiality of his life. The lines “I have measured out my life with coffee spoons”, “…setting a pillow or throwing off a shawl”, and “I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled” show the shallowness of thought he uses to avoid coming to terms with his old age. Prufrock is a lonely man. In the poem, there is no evidence of any relationship outside of the one he has with himself. He makes references to “…restless nights in one-night cheap hotels” and “women [that] come and go.” He desires intimate relationships, yet lacks the courage and self-confidence to even begin to pursue love. His humanity and dignity cannot fully be realized without it. Prufrock fancies himself to be someone who has known it all – the evenings, the mornings, the afternoons, the eyes, the arms. His pride leads him to believe that he someone that he is not. Prufrock believes that life is superficial, but he alone is deep. He may not be Prince Hamlet, yet he is still advisor to the Prince. This is not a lowly job. He speaks highly of himself when he states “ Deferential, glad to be of use, / Politic, cautious, and meticulous.” Proud as he is, however, Prufroc...
