J.Alfred Prufrock and Social Perception

Nature versus Nurture is an age old debate that has taxed the minds of many. It begs to question whether an individual’s personal experiences or innate genetic attributes are the primary basis for an individual’s behavioral traits. Both sides of the argument provide strong evidence to support their claims, but to say experiences in life don’t influence a person’s behavior is a bit of a stretch. One can’t say that a high school student, or at least the vast majority, doesn’t let their peers’ actions and opinions play some role in their perception of how to act according to the social “norm”. Fear of being considered an outsider and social stigmatization drives many people to evaluate, and reevaluate every decision they consider. Often times we let these fears overwhelm us and inhibit any further progression beyond fantasizing how the scenario would play out. Even though there are a vast number of social dynamics that influence an individual’s actions and perception, we must recognize that these interactions are a part of a social structure that can be challenged, if we dare to explore the unknown. In “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”, T.S. Eliot uses a dramatic monologue to address and illustrate many common issues revolving around social perceptions. One such issue is a common theme addressed at the very beginning and mentioned throughout this literary work—reputation. The Epigraph depicts a conversation between Dante and Guido concerning the reasons for Guido’s plummet to the lowest depths of hell. Guido wouldn’t have told Dante of his shortcomings if he had known Dante would return to the world to soil his reputation. Even in death Guido is worried about what people will think of him; showing that his perception of himself was based on other’s opinions rather than the rectitude of his actions. I’d rather commit an